Maintaining Your Home and Property

Maintaining Your Home and Property

This year has been a wild ride of extreme weather—freezing temps, brutal windstorms, hail and sometimes all three at once. They serve as a reminder that protecting your home isn’t just about having insurance—it’s about keeping your property in shape to avoid the kind of damage that might not be covered in the first place.

Most of us understand what’s covered when it comes to things like wind damage. But what about the risks that come from poor maintenance? Damage caused by neglect is often excluded from coverage—so it’s up to us as homeowners to stay proactive. In this post, we’ll look at steps you can take to protect your property and avoid claim denials.

Don’t forget: keeping a record of your maintenance efforts can make a big difference if you ever need to file a claim.

1. Regular Maintenance

• Roof inspections: Inspect and maintain the roof annually; replace missing shingles and repair leaks quickly.
• Plumbing care: Look for signs of leaks, corrosion, or slow drainage. Insulate pipes before winter to prevent freezing.
• HVAC servicing: Get professional maintenance at least once a year and replace filters regularly.
• Gutter cleaning: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup and roof damage.
• Foundation checks: Monitor for cracks or shifting; improper drainage can cause foundation issues that may not be covered.

2. Pest Control

• Termite or rodent damage is rarely covered by insurance. Schedule regular pest inspections and act quickly if there are signs of infestation.

3. Prevent Water Damage

• Install a sump pump if you’re in a flood-prone area.
• Use water leak sensors near the water heater and under sinks, and consider an automatic shut-off device to catch and stop leaks before they become disasters.
• Seal windows and doors properly to prevent seepage during heavy rain.

4. Update Systems

• Old electrical wiring, outdated plumbing, and deteriorating roofing materials should be upgraded. Claims from outdated systems may be denied.

5. Tree and Yard Maintenance

• Trim trees and remove dead branches. If a limb from a poorly maintained tree damages your or your neighbor’s property, you could be liable.

6. Document and Inspect

• Take regular photo or video inventories of your property.
• Keep records of repairs, upgrades, and inspections.

7. Understand Policy Exclusions

• Know what’s not covered (e.g., flood, earthquake, wear and tear).
• Consider add-on policies for uncovered risks.
• Review your policy annually and update it after major improvements.

Have questions? Reach out to your insurance agent—they can help you understand your coverage and make sure everything’s up to date. It’s smart to check in regularly, especially after any big changes or improvements to your home.