Home ownership comes with joys and sometimes distress. If accidents and disasters strike, you may need to file a home claim to restore things back to normal. In almost sixty years, we have seen it all.
Here are four of the top homeowners claims examples and tips to protect your space, starting today.
1. Wind and hail. Damage from tornadoes, high winds, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and hail is one of the top homeowners insurance claims examples.
What you can do: Trim low-hanging or dead branches that could damage your home’s roof, siding, or windows. Put trash cans, ladders, lawn equipment, bikes, and home project items in a garage or protected area so debris doesn’t blow into your home and cause damage.
2. Fire and lightning damage. Fire and lightning claims are frequent and can be costly.
What you can do: Reduce your risk by assessing your space and risks. Start with surge protection and outlet safety. Use extension cords sparingly, and never plug one extension cord into another. Avoid using space heaters as they can increase fire risk, and keep things like curtains and furniture a safe distance away from baseboard heating.
Outlet safety is especially important during storms. Did you know a lightning bolt’s temperature can reach 50,000 degrees? If your home is struck during a storm, there could be a power surge which could lead to fire. To stay safe, unplug devices before storms roll in.
3. Water damage and freezing. Whether it’s from rain, a burst pipe, or a leak, water damage is a frequent home insurance claim.
What you can do: Inspect hoses and faucets regularly, including those that connect to the dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator. Inspect your sump pump annually. In the bathrooms, caulk around showers and bathtubs to prevent leaks. Outdoors, clean out gutters and ensure downspouts drain an adequate distance away from the house, and plant trees away from the house to prevent root damage to the foundation, underground pipes, septic tanks, and sprinkler lines. You may also want to look into installing a smart water leak detector. Here are the top smart water leak detectors of 2021 according to Good Housekeeping.
4. Theft and vandalism. The FBI reported more than 1.1 million burglaries in the U.S. in 2019 – making home theft a top reason for home claims.
What you can do: Install home security cameras or alarms. Keep windows and doors locked, and keep the exterior of your home well lit. If you’re traveling, have a neighbor keep an eye on your property. Additionally, keeping a list of big-ticket items in your home, along with receipts and photos, can help expedite the claims process.
If you think you need to file a home claim or you have a question about your home insurance coverages, contact us. We are here to help.
Choosing the right insurance agent is one of the most important decisions you will make. The Turner Agency, Inc. is a local Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Serving the Upstate of South Carolina and beyond since 1962, we offer a variety of personal and business coverage choices and can customize an insurance plan to meet your specialized needs for your business, homes, automobiles, recreational vehicles, secondary homes, and more.
The information in this article was obtained from Frankenmuth Insurance and is not all inclusive regarding the subject matter. This content is offered for educational purposes only.
