Strong hurricane winds, a fire, theft, or a burst pipe; the unexpected can happen at any time. This is why it’s important to protect your home with a homeowners insurance policy.

Knowing what you can do to protect your home from damages can also be helpful in preparing for the unexpected. In this post, we look at 4 common insurance claims and how to avoid them.

1. Wind Damage

We are very familiar with hurricane force winds can do to our home here in Florida. But claims due to exterior wind damage can occur at any time. A strong thunderstorm can send patio furniture crashing into a sliding door, or make a tree fall unto a roof. It’s good to always be cautious and take steps to avoid wind damage to your home, even if it’s not hurricane season.

Some steps you can take:

• When possible, anchor down patio furniture and grills
• Keep your patio or yard as clutter free as possible and bring toys inside or store them securely
• Trim bushes and trees regularly
• Remove any branches that pose a danger to your property, or trees that may easily fall over
• Check your roof periodically and replace any loose shingles as needed
• Invest in hurricane shutters

2. Water Damage

Water damage to your property can result from heavy rains or from non-weather-related events such as a plumbing issue. Remember that a standard homeowners insurance policy will not include flood protection and you may need a separate flood insurance policy.

Some steps you can take to avoid water damage to your property:

• Regularly clean your gutters to keep them free of leaves and other debris
• Check any old appliances that use water for leaks and cracks
• Replace washing machine hoses about every 5 years
• Always caulk around bathtubs, sinks, and toilets
• Have a licensed plumber inspect and clean out your sewer line about once a year to avoid back-up

3. Fire Damage

Insurance claims due to fire tend to be the most expensive. Taking just a few important step can help protect you home and your loved ones from a fire.

• Install smoke detectors in every level of your home and outside of every room
• Inspect smoke detectors annually and change the batteries once a year
• Never leave or store anything flammable near the stove or cooktop
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home
• Never overload an outlet or extension cord
• Regularly check for frayed cords or loose or malfunctioning outlets or fixtures
• Check exterior wiring of your home
• If it hasn’t been done recently, have a professional electrician inspect your home’s electrical system.

4. Theft

Losses resulting from theft account for 6% of insurance claims. Luckily there a few simple and inexpensive steps you can take to avoid theft in your home.

• Keep all doors and windows locked, especially when you’re not at home
• Never leave your car unlocked
• Always keep your garage door closed
• Install motion sensing light in the exterior of your home
• Invest in home security system
• Let neighbors, family, and / or the local policy know when you will be away from home on travel
• Do not store a spare key outside your home

Your home is quite possible the biggest investment you’ll ever make. The best way to protect from potential damages is with a homeowners insurance policy.

Contact a Preferred Link agent today to discuss your options or for a comprehensive review of your current policy.