Chances are that you have some form of home insurance. If you’re still paying on your mortgage then your lender likely requires you to take out a home insurance policy. Yet, while you are protected from damage and necessary repairs, it is advisable that you keep up to date with your regular and annual maintenance to ensure everything at home is working properly and to avoid filing claims for minor repairs or accidents that could be avoided. It’s not a great idea to start filling out a claim for small scrapes and bruises in your home. Your rates might go up if you file too many claims in a short period of time. 

As the cold weather moves in, so should certain precautions. As a homeowner, you already know that single-digit temperatures and freezing water can cause quite the stir in your house if not taken care of properly.

Think Pipes

Your pipes are particularly vulnerable when the temperature drops. Consider wrapping your pipers and keep your home at 65 degrees or higher. A burst pipe can cost you up to $5,000 or more in damage and a lot of hassle. While a lot of home insurance policies will cover this, it’s something that in most instances can be avoided.

Insulation

Consider insulating your attic or crawl spaces. This will help with energy conservation by keeping the heat in the main rooms of your home.

Check your Furnace

A quick maintenance check on your furnace will make sure that it’s working properly and nothing is likely to cause a problem.

Clean the Gutters

When gutters get backed up they get clogged and can begin to cause issues. If the water in them becomes frozen it might start to cause leaks. Also, you want to make sure that snow and rain-water are being redirected away from your house.

Check Outside Water Sources

Your garden hose can become frozen when temperatures get below freezing and this can cause them to freeze and burst. For hose bibs, shut off the water supply valve inside your house that connects to it.

Protect Your Home Today

Having a good home insurance policy is priceless. This protection is designed to ensure your investment from accidents or unexpected circumstances. Depending on your policy small repairs that could have been avoided might not be covered or will end up costing you more. Call Advantage Insurance to get the best rates on home protection and take a few minutes this winter to prepare your home and avoid unnecessary problems and hassle.