Fall Tips To Avoid Claims

As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change colour, Fall becomes the perfect time of year to get outside and complete all the outdoor chores we have been avoiding during the summer. Fall also marks the perfect time of year to prepare for the wintery storms and avoid any potential insurance claims.

We have all experienced a few of the headaches the changing weather brings along, whether it’s the nasty ice accumulated on our front door step, your water pipes freezing, or leaves falling from trees. All of these at the initial perception may not seem to worrisome. However, that icy front door step could lead to someone falling and hurting themselves, those frozen pipes could burst and cause severe water damage in your home, and even those leaves falling from the tree could clog your downspout and cause water to seep into your home. These misfortunes happen to us all but as a broker, we would like to help you avoid all the possible nuisances, and leave you with peace of mind.

Properly Store Outside Furniture & Appliances

Unfortunately patio season is coming to an end. Properly store away all your patio furniture and your beloved barbeques, as these items can be damaged if left outside in a storm. If possible, store propane tanks in a detached garage or outdoor shed, or as far away from your dwelling as reasonably practical. Cover or tie down any items that are left out year round to avoid potential damage.

Inspect Heating Systems

Take precautions before firing up your heating system. If you have a furnace or boiler ensure their systems have been professionally inspected and if applicable, have your chimney cleaned prior to wood burning. It is also a good idea to replace or clean any furnace filters or HRV filters in your home. Trim any tree branches that are overhanging your home or power lines. This reduces the risks of a branch falling and causing damage to your home or losing power during a storm. Did you know that having a generator can lead to discounts on your home insurance?

Maintain Roof & Downspouts

Have a professional inspect your roof and make necessary fixes. And hey while they are up there get them to have a look at your eavestrough and downspouts. Cleaning or clearing your downspouts is important to ensure the rain and the melting snow, can drain properly, and most importantly, away from your home.

Turn Off Water & Inspect Sump Pumps

Remember to shut off your water lines to any outdoor fixtures. Emptying your hose and storing it in a garage or outdoor shed is also a good idea. Failing to shut off the water lines can cause the water lines to freeze and potentially burst, leading to a claim. This is also a good time of year to ensure your sump pump is working properly and the lines that pump the water away from your home are clear.

Adjust Car For Winter

Now, it is safe to assume we all dislike winter driving. Walking outside to your car in the morning, still partially asleep, to discover it is covered in a thick layer of ice and snow is not how we want to start our day. Ensure your car has all the appropriate tools to keep you safe this winter. Make sure you put your ice scraper back in your vehicle. You may also want to include an extra pair of gloves or mittens, and ensure that the heating and ventilation in the car is working properly. In anticipation for the first snow fall, make sure you have your certified winter tires installed and are in good condition. Oh and make sure you mention to us that you install them because we offer a winter tire discount on every auto insurance policy.

Even when we complete every preventative measure possible, there is still a chance the changing weather will bring with it the “headaches” of a claim. If a claim happens to you, please first and foremost ensure you, your family and your friends are safe. Call your broker to report any damages that may have occurred and we will help you every step of the way.