Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Claims 

Here are some home maintenance tips to help you prevent homeowners insurance claims.

Homeowners insurance is an essential investment to financially protect you, your family and your home from various risks and perils.

However, while acquiring and maintaining an adequate policy is necessary, there are still steps you should strongly consider to minimize the possibility that you will need to file a claim.

With this in mind, Florida Insurance Group is proud to offer guidance and assist you in protecting your home and reducing the chance of accidents and other losses.

How to Avoid Homeowners Insurance Claims

While homeowners insurance is designed to protect you financially from various incidents and losses, ideally, you will rarely need to tap this resource.

By not filing claims against your policy, you can limit rate increases or potentially avoid them altogether and may even gain access to discounts after a certain period.

With these benefits in mind, consider the following common causes of homeowners insurance claims and how to avoid them or at least limit damages:

• Fires—These incidents can wreak havoc on your home’s structure and belongings, potentially leading to catastrophic losses. Ensure you have installed smoke detectors on every floor and in areas with significant heat sources, such as kitchens. Inspect alarms and change their batteries every year. Regularly inspect your oven and clear out the lint from your dryer vent to limit the risk of fires.

• Water damage—Whether caused by rain, poor drainage or leaking pipes, water damage can cause significant damage to your home. To limit these risks, check your roof for loose shingles or cracks. Caulk the edges of windows and doors around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Clearing your gutters and downspouts and adjusting the grading of your property may also help precipitation drain away from your home.

• Severe weather—Rain, heavy winds and hail can also wreak havoc on your property. Consider installing and maintaining storm shutters to protect your windows during severe weather. Inspect your yard and property regularly and trim or remove any dangerous trees or limbs that could fall on your home.

• Crime—Unfortunately, thieves and vandals may eventually set their sites on your home. To make things as difficult as possible for these criminals, consider installing and maintaining security systems, including surveillance cameras, automatic lighting and alarms. Ensure your doors and windows are sturdy and that locking mechanisms are in good working order.

• Liabilities—Home insurance policies often include personal liability coverage, which can be critical if you are at fault for other parties’ losses. Make sure you clear clutter on sidewalks outside your home and walking areas inside, as passersby or guests tripping and falling could lead to lawsuits. Maintain fences, gates and walls around attractive nuisances, such as pools and firepits, as even parties using them without your permission could sue if an incident occurs.

We’re Here to Help

Contact Florida Insurance Group today to learn more about homeowners insurance and how to prevent claims by following our home maintenance tips.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.