Tips To Avoid Filing A Home Insurance Claim This Winter

When winter damage occurs to your house, you can claim with your homeowner's insurance to help pay for costly repairs. Keep in mind that filing a costly claim could result in an increase in your homeowner's insurance rate. Follow these methods to avoid filing a claim this winter in order to prevent a premium increase.

Run Your Water

Frozen pipes may become widespread if outdoor temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore it's crucial to keep your water running to prevent this from happening. To prevent freezing and relieve pressure in your pipes, it is preferable to drip both the hot and cold water lines.

Insulate Your Pipes and Circulate Air

Ensure that pipes are adequately insulated, particularly in unheated areas of your home, such as the garage, attic, and basement. Also, remember to circulate warm air around your home to prevent pipes from freezing, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow air to reach the pipes.

Utilize Technology for Water Monitoring and Leak Detection

Water damage may be a financial and emotional disaster. Invest in leak detection technology or a water monitoring system to identify even the smallest leaks. These will notify you if and when a leak develops, allowing you to turn off the water or have it repaired before any harm happens.

Weatherproof Your Dwelling

Warm air rises, and any escaping air from your home can reach your roof. Any snow or ice can then quickly melt and refreeze due to the temperature, which can result in the formation of dangerous ice dams or an accumulation of heavy ice. Examine all of your home's openings and ensure that every window and door is weathertight.

Maintain An Even Interior Temperature

Remember to set your thermostat to a consistent temperature between 55 and 65 Fahrenheit if you plan to be away from home for long periods of time. This will avoid the freezing of pipes and other household items.

Check Chimneys and Heating Systems

Before turning on the heater or lighting the first fire of the season, inspecting the chimney and heating system is essential. A home inspection can identify any potential fire hazards. Inspections should occur annually; autumn is the ideal time to conduct them.

Purge Your Gutters

No one likes spending the day cleaning out their gutters of leaves and other debris, but you'll be glad you did it afterward. When water can properly drain through unimpeded gutters, ice buildup and ice dams are less likely to occur.

Maintain Safe Paths

By melting the ice on your property's pathways, stairways, and driveways, you can ensure that the exterior of your home is safe for everyone who walks through it. To melt ice, you can use a mixture of salt and warm water or make your own natural deicer using rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and hot water.

Cut Back Thick Branches

When tree limbs become laden with snow or are blown by a storm, they pose a danger to both you and your home. To prevent injury or property damage from falling branches, prune them back.

When the cold winter arrives, your home will be there to provide shelter. As a conscientious and responsible homeowner, you should also secure your home with insurance and regular upkeep. With your meticulous winter house preparations, you will be prepared for any winter storm or accident that may occur.