Winter is a critical season for insurance. Weather-related damage is more common during the winter months, thanks to lovely snow and ice storms, as well as less-than-pleasant hail. Insurance is one of those things that must be planned for in advance. Winter weather puts homes in a lot of danger. Property damage can be caused by snow, water, ice, and even the cold itself. To make matters worse, some of the damage isn’t covered by a standard homeowners’ policy.
Inspect Your Home Before Winter Storms Come
- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams
- Trim trees and bushes
- Wrap pipes to prevent freezing
- Check foundation
- Check around windows and doors for air leaks
- Inspect your furnace
Make Sure Your Homeowner’s Insurance is Up to Date
There’s a lot that may go wrong with your house, car, and other possessions when the temperature outside drops below zero. You want to make sure you have enough coverage in case of a claim. Examine your insurance policies to see what is and isn’t covered, and double-check your limits to ensure you have enough coverage.
Winterize Your Boat
If you’ve put your boat away for the winter, give it a once-over every few weeks to make sure it’s still in good shape. You’ll want to address any issues as soon as possible. Make careful to winterize your boat and drain it or use antifreeze before storing it. Check to see that your boat is still properly wrapped and protected from the weather if you wrapped it for the winter season.
Be Prepared To File A Claim
Because the claims process differs from one insurer to the next, it’s critical to have the correct information when filing. For each of your policies, you’ll need the current policy numbers and service numbers.
Make sure you understand what your policy covers before the cold weather arrives. Have a professional assess your home and do any suggested maintenance before the winter weather arrives as an added precaution.
