We talk a lot about what happens if you experience a claim. What if you could prevent a claim? What if you had an ounce of control to keep a loss from happening? Here are 5 ways to prevent claims this summer.
I know you want to lay by the pool, but silly things happen during the summer too.
1 Turn Off
Let’s say you’re going on vacation and no one’s house-sitting for you. Turn off the main shutoff valve to your water before leaving. The last thing you want is to come home to a broken pipe and a wet house.
2 Replace
While we’re on the subject of water; below your sinks and behind your toilets is a shut off valve. If you can’t remember or it’s been forever since you replaced these, spend a little money and change them out.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 19.5% of homeowners claims in 2017 were due to water damage and freezing.
3 Clean Out
Keep your gutters clean and in good repair. This will prevent a lot of headaches down the road.
4 Install
My Grandpa would say, “locks are for honest people.” Consider installing motion sensor lights around your house and a doorbell camera. It’s no guarantee, but it hopefully it will make someone think twice before breaking in your home.
5 Foster
Make friends with your neighbors and foster those relationships. Nothing beats having your neighbors watch out for your place while you’re gone.
Look for ways you can prevent claims around your home. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars. Usually they only require a little time and elbow grease.
Music Credit: Joakim Karud | Looking to the Sky w/ Peter Kuli & Kasey Andre (instrumental)
