Lately, many homeowners are asking us to shop for better insurance rates; totally understandable! Just remember, most home insurance carriers will conduct a property inspection to verify the home’s value, condition, and risk factors before finalizing a policy.
As an agent, I see firsthand how proper home maintenance impacts your homeowners insurance, from eligibility and premiums to the claims process. Taking care of your property can save you money, reduce liability risks, and ensure your coverage works when you need it most.
Why Home Maintenance Matters
Stops Costly Claims: Addressing small issues early, like fixing a roof leak, helps prevent larger problems such as water damage, mold, or structural issues. These are common sources of claims that can increase your premiums.
Could Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts for proactive homeowners. Installing monitored security systems, water leak detection devices, or even storm shutters can reduce your rates. Contact us to explore additional homeowners insurance discount options!
Prevents Claim Denials: Neglecting routine maintenance could lead to claim denials. For instance, if a pipe bursts due to worn-out plumbing or frozen pipes, your home insurance might not cover the repairs.
Improves Insurability & Home Value: A well-maintained home is seen as lower risk by insurers and is often eligible for better coverage terms. It also holds more value on the market.
Key Home Maintenance Tips
Roof & Gutters: Regularly clean and inspect your roof and gutters to avoid water damage. Installing gutter guards (a personal favorite!) can save time and prevent clogs.
Plumbing: Check for leaks and insulate pipes, especially before winter. Adding an automatic water shut-off system can help you avoid costly water damage claims.
HVAC Systems: Schedule annual servicing for heating and cooling systems to keep them running efficiently and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Safety Devices: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers monthly. Properly working devices can lower your liability risks and may qualify for discounts on your home insurance policy.
Exterior Maintenance: Repair siding, windows, and paint as needed. Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent storm damage. This upkeep reduces your risk of filing property damage claims.
By staying proactive with home maintenance, you not only protect your property but also ensure your home insurance policy supports you fully in the event of a claim. A little upkeep now can make a big difference in safeguarding your investment and keeping your premiums affordable. Reach out anytime if you’d like to review your coverage or explore cost-saving options!
-Jean Mabry & Your RiskSOURCE/OneDigital Team
p.s. Remember, we have a 24/7/365 insurance emergency hotline where you can reach one of our team members who is on call – (888) 779-2800.
In case you missed it – we have created a guide on What Policyholders Need to Know About Home & Auto Insurance.
We hope this information helps you to make more strategic insurance decisions. We’d love to hear from you – please reach out! We are here to help.
