How to Avoid Home Insurance Claims in the Winter

How to Avoid Home Insurance Claims in the Winter

Along with the holidays, winter also brings a multitude of dangers when it comes to your home. Protecting your home from damages can prevent you from having to file a home insurance claim, since home insurance claims can raise your rates. 

Improve Insulation 

Improving insulation throughout your home can save you struggle and money in several ways. It can prevent cool are from coming in and worsening cracks already present in your walls or ceilings as well as saving you money by letting less heat escape. You can insulate by sealing your doors and windows. 

Protect Your Pipes 

Pipes are known for freezing during the winter, which can cause a lot of unwanted damage—especially when it comes to pipes bursting and flooding bottom floors. You can prevent these incidents by wrapping pipes with insulation, letting faucets drip and leaving cabinet doors open to let in warm air. 

Clear Your Gutters 

A lot of issues can arise throughout the year for gutters that are clogged, but especially when it gets cold. Ice can form in clogged gutters and drains which can lead to flooding inside your home. It is important to know that most home insurance policies do not cover flood damage, to flood prevention is especially important in the winter and spring. 

Check and Clean Your Fireplace 

Fireplaces see a lot more use in the winter months. Unfortunately, a sitting fireplace can often cause buildup or cracks that can lead to pollution inside the home once you start using it again. Have your home serviced by a professional before it gets too cold. 

Protect our Roof 

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of the home—and one of the hardest to replace after a disaster. Issues with the integrity of your roof can cause leaks, drafts, cracks and more if your roof has suffered previous damage or is not maintained properly. Make sure there are no shingles missing, gutters are clean and all siding or flashing is intact. It is important to watch your home’s roof throughout winter, as well, as weight from snow and sleet can cause leaks or breaks. 

Along with this, make sure to trim away tree branches and anything else that may be hanging over your home’s roof or near one of your windows. The weight of snow or even strong wings can send tree branches into your home and cause severe damage.