The holiday season is a great time to gather with friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. However, the last thing you want during this joyous time of year is to have your holiday celebration spoiled with damage to your home, especially damage that will require an insurance claim. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute indicate that the holidays are a peak time of year for damage claims. Fires, freezing weather, and winter storms all take a toll and result in soaring claims. Yet it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips from National Claims Negotiators on ways to lower your risk and have a safe and happy holiday.
Avoiding claims from winter storms and other severe weather events:
Set aside time to inspect your home’s exterior during the fall. Look for wood rot or water damage signs and have them fixed. Clean and repair gutters to ensure they function correctly during weather events. Make sure to replace damaged shingles.
Trim trees around your home and have any dead branches removed. Have an arborist inspect the trees near your home to make sure they are in no danger of toppling over or rotting from within.
Patio and other outdoor furniture should be taken inside and stored to prevent damage during a windstorm.
Refresh the caulk around your windows and door frames; new caulking prevents damage and may help reduce heat loss and save money on utility bills.
Insulate your attic, basement pipes, and water heater.
Consider installing attic roof vents to prevent the build-up of dangerous ice dams.
Preventing a home fire:
Avoid open flames and use LED lights instead of candles.
Do not leave your fireplace unattended. Ensure the fire, and the embers at the back of the fireplace are out before bed. The National Fire Protection Association reports that more than a quarter of a million house fires yearly are caused by chimneys and fireplaces. If you haven’t cleaned your chimney, make sure you do that before the winter holidays.
The Insurance Information Institute notes that faulty space heaters cause 44% of home fires. Make sure all space heaters are at least three feet away from walls, curtains, or furniture, and turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.
Even if you don’t use candles, holiday lights, or have a fireplace, there is no reason for complacency. In 2019 there were over $2 billion in insured losses from winter storms alone! It’s always a good idea to be prepared and take suitable precautions. However, should property damage necessitate an insurance claim, contact National Claims Negotiators as soon as possible. We will assist you in preparing and submitting your claim and negotiate with your insurer to ensure you receive the best possible settlement for any covered damages.
