7 Home Insurance Claims and How You Can Avoid Them

1. Exterior Wind Damage

• Insulate pipes in basements or along exterior walls if you live in a cold climate.
• Look for rust or other signs of wear on pipes, especially radiator valves.
• Inspect washing machine and laundry hoses for wear to prevent failing, including the hoses’ connections to the machine.
• Perform a similar inspection on water lines into fridges.
• Inspect water heaters and older appliances for cracks.
• Caulk around toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers to prevent leaks or seepage that can lead to warped floors, ceiling damage, or mold.
• Never pour grease, fat or other thick substances down your drain. Hot oil should be poured in a glass jar or bowl and allowed to cool before disposing in the garbage can.
• Install a water sensor or alarm that detects leaks, if possible. Some appliances, such as hot water heaters, may even have an automatic shut-off system

3. Weather-Related Water Damage

Bad weather comes in many forms, from torrential rain to snow storms, and all of that water can damage your home.

To protect against the risks of weather-related-water damage, homeowners can:

 

• Prevent snow-related roof damage or leaks by safely removing it before it piles up or hiring a professional each season.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris that leads to clogs, overflowing, and potential home damage.
• Stop melting ice from freezing into an “ice dam” that can lead to leaks or interior damage.
• Note the incline or slope of land around your property. Land sloping toward your property will funnel water toward your home. If you have sloped land, consider water dams that automatically inflate when wet. These can help stop water from flowing down a hill into your home, basement, or foundation. 

After a long winter, remember that the spring melt could cause flooding and further damage. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t usually include flood coverage, so you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to get protection.

4. Loss Due to Theft

About one in 325 insured homes has a property damage claim due to theft each year. Common claims include broken windows or doors. Thankfully, homeowners have several proactive options to help prevent or reduce their losses from theft.

 

One of the easiest things to do to deter bad guys from stealing your personal property is to lock your doors and windows when you aren’t home. This includes all doors and windows on your home, garage, and garden shed.

 

In addition, be sure to:

 

• Avoid leaving your garage door opener in an unlocked car in your driveway as a thief could then use it to enter your home through your garage.
• Install extra outdoor motion sensor lights that will turn on when anyone approaches your home in the dark. Fear of being seen could deter any would-be thieves from breaking in.
• Finally, install a security system that will sound an alarm if someone enters your property without disarming the system. Doing so may also help you get a discount on your home insurance premiums.

• First, install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and inspect them annually. Tip: Change the batteries in spring or fall when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
• If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove in your home, get the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually to help prevent creosote buildup, which can contribute to a chimney fire. And, when you’re removing ashes after a fire, remember to dispose of them in a metal container with a lid outside of your home to minimize the chance of a stray spark’s starting an unwanted fire.
• Another area of the home where fires may start is in the kitchen. Avoid clutter around your stove/oven area — especially anything flammable that could catch fire while you’re using your stove or oven, like a pot holder.
• Finally, never leave a burning candle unattended. Always snuff it out before leaving the room.

• Minimize the odds of an electrical fire by examining your cords. If it’s frayed, chewed, or damaged, including where the plug and wire meet, don’t use it.
• Don’t overload outlets with too many plugs or extension cords.
• Inspect your home’s electric outlets and replace any that are loose or improperly installed
• Inspect exterior wiring for weather or rodent-related damage, like frayed or chewed cords.
• If your home hasn’t recently been professionally inspected, consider getting the interior wiring checked to correct any wear and tear. This is particularly important for older homes.

7. Slips and Falls on Your Property

Personal injury is another home insurance claim, one often covered by your policy’s personal liability coverage. If someone slips and falls while visiting your home, you could be on the hook for their emergency medical bills, plus any legal expenses. You may also be held responsible for people you don’t invite, like mail carriers, delivery people, or a canvasser.