Practice Prevention: How to Avoid Homeowners Insurance Claims

Even though you have insurance, you can avoid filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim if the cause is preventable. You will avoid the expense of paying a deductible and save yourself the inconvenience of having your home repaired. 


To reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to file a claim, you’ll need to think critically. Walk through your home room by room. Make a list of things that could potentially go wrong and cause damage as a result. Though you can’t prevent some risks, you’ll discover that you can take steps to minimize many of them. Here are just a handful of examples.

Assess your Washing Machines

Washing machine's are capable of causing water damage in your laundry room. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to use it. Your dryer could get clogged with lint and catch on fire. Make sure to clean the lint trap and exhaust hoses frequently.
 
Look for Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Leaky faucets and pipes are a common occurence and can signal an emerging problem. Have leaks evaluated quickly by a plumber to make sure they’re not symptomatic of something more serious than a dripping faucet.

A small leak, left unaddressed, can cause toxic mold to grow or a ceiling to cave in from built up water. Additionally, it’s smart to purchase inexpensive water alarms and place them near your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, sinks, and toilets. 
 
Be Storm Ready
 
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), weather-related homeowners insurance claims have skyrocketed in the past few years.  When severe weather is in the forecast, storm-proof your home’s exterior in advance. Anything that could become airborne by high winds (toys, gardening tools, lawn chairs) should be stored or secured. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider keeping a supply of sandbags on hand to place in front of vulnerable doors.
 
Common sense steps can reduce the odds you’ll need to file a homeowners insurance claim. If your home is damaged, you’ll be glad you have a comprehensive policy even though you’ll need to pay a deductible. For advice on which coverages you need and which you might be able to bypass, call us today at Metro Boston Insurance Agency, 617.884.5480.