Take steps to prevent home insurance claims this winter.
With the holidays right around the corner, the last thing that you want to deal with is an expensive and time-consuming home insurance claim. This is why it’s so important to take steps that reduce your risk for common winter perils. Here are some of the precautions that you should employ to prevent home insurance claims this winter.
- Decorate Safely
Many homeowners like to get into the holiday spirit by decorating their homes. However, inadequate planning and carelessness can put your home, your loved ones, and yourself at risk. To avoid decorating dangers, account for the number and location of electrical outlets on your property. This will ensure that you do not overload your outlets, causing them to overheat and catch fire. Additionally, when choosing your decorations, review the manufacturer’s guidelines. Oftentimes, manufacturers will detail the maximum number of strings that can be attached to each other as well as the maximum wattage of replacement bulbs. When putting up decorations, make sure that they are kept at least 10 feet away from powerlines. Any closer and the wind might cause your decorations to hit the power lines, potentially starting a fire or causing a power outage.
- Have Someone Check Up on Your Home
Some of the most serious winter property damage occurs when the homeowner is away for the holidays. Oftentimes, the damage starts out at a minor issue that gradually worsens due to inaction. To prevent this from happening to your home, hire a house sitter, or ask a trusted friend to check up on your home while you are away from the holidays. When someone is there to look after your home, they can address problems before they become large-scale damage events.
- Keep Guests Safe
Many homeowners also end up filing claims for guest injuries during the winter months. There are several things that you can do to reduce the chances of someone injuring themselves on your property. For instance, if ice forms on your property, then make sure to remove it before someone slips and injures themselves. You can also avoid guest injuries by declining offers to help you put up your holiday decorations. Finally, if you are hosting a holiday party at your home, then make sure your guests do not drink too much. Monitoring your guests’ alcohol intake will ensure that they do not hurt themselves or someone else while in an intoxicated state.
These are some of the things that you should do to prevent home insurance claims this winter. Need to update your home coverage this season? If so, then contact the experts at Champion Commercial Insurance in Dallas, Texas. We are ready to assist you with all your home coverage needs today.
