PROTECTING YOUR HOME

INSURANCE TIPS

Your home is typically your largest investment, so it makes sense to keep it safe from perils like theft, floods, fire and storm damage.

Doing so not only buys you peace of mind, in some instances it may save you money on your insurance premiums.

 -          Keep the bad guys out.

Thieves aren’t known to be a discriminating lot, so if your home looks like its too much trouble  to break into, they ll move on to another, Installing burglar alarms may make a difference to your safety (and your premiums), but even simple strategies can work  when you re not home, like setting timed lights, displaying a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, and using deadbolt locks.

Outside motion detection spotlights can scare off most attention shy prowlers.

-          Prevent sewer backup

An effective and usually insurance recognized improvement homeowners can make is to install a backwater valve so sewage flows out of your home, but not back in, when the sanitary sewer system becomes overwhelmed. Another wise move is to hook up your sump pump to a reliable backup power source, such as a battery or generator, so it works when you need it most

-          Other Preventative measures you can take:

Avoid pouring grease down your drains

Clean and maintain your eaves troughs annually

Reduce your water use during severe storms

Keep storm sewer grates clear of debris

Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floors

Install window well drains and covers

Add a weeping tile or foundation drain

Disconnect downspouts fro your weeping tile or sewer drain

-          Minimize storm damage

It’s a good idea to walk around your property and imagine what damage high winds or other extreme weather events can cause. Are those towering maples leaning over your room or too close to large windows?

Is the landscape contoured towards your house making it easy fir water to divert the wrong way? Thing like Mother Nature and make modifications where you can.

-          Be fire safe

Per the law, your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be in good working order.. Practice smart habits when cooking (the number one source of house fires) and minimize the presence of flammable materials around your house and yard. Treat your appliances and wood burning fireplace with the respect they deserve: good maintenance is always a sound investment.

-          Review your insurance coverage

Its too late to make updates to your policy after you’ve suffered  a property loss. Your annual renewal is a good time to evaluate your coverage with your broker to make sure its sufficient. This is especially important if you ‘ve made any significant changes like a major purchase, a renovation, a variance in living arrangements  (perhaps an elderly parent has moved in), or have installed a swimming pool. This is also a great time to look into getting more favourable rates by bundling policies or increasing your deductible.

Your home is your castle. Take steps to keep it protected and safe.