Those of us in South Florida know how important homeowner’s insurance is to protect your home and property. Across the
Here are the top five most common property insurance claims and how you can avoid them.
- Exterior Wind Damage
Exterior wind damage can occur during heavy storms or when an unexpected wind event picks up an object and blows it against your house. This type of damage accounts for about 25 percent of losses nationwide and is the most common type of damage in the South, although the Northeast is at high risk for this type of damage as well.
You can avoid exterior wind damage by making sure your windows are adequately covered or secured before a major storm, and always safely secure outdoor furniture, planters, or any other object that could become a projectile. Landscaping should also be maintained, and any dead limbs or trees should be trimmed on a regular basis. Additionally, homeowners should regularly inspect their roof to make sure it is not damaged.
- Water Damage
This type of damage can occur when something like a hose or machine within the home breaks and causes a water leak. Examples of appliances that could cause water damage include a faulty or misused washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator. These damages account for about 19 percent of all claims per year.
Avoid a non-weather-related water claim by installing water sensor alarms in appliances that could leak. Monitor old appliances closely for any malfunctions. Never pour bacon grease or other thick substances into the sink, which could clog drains and cause a backup.
Many insurance policies do not provide coverage for water damage.
- Wind-Blown Water Damage
This type of damage may be all too familiar to us in South Florida and accounts for about 11 percent of claims nationwide. Wind-blown water damage can result from after a major storm such as a hurricane creating an opening in a window or roof through which damaging water can enter. This damage is typically subject to a higher, hurricane deductible under the wind portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Strong storms can also cause flooding through storm surge and heavy rains. It is important to note that flooding damage is generally not covered by the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. To be covered for these losses, you must have flood insurance. If your home is located in a flood zone, make sure you secure more valuable items in higher locations. Additionally, clean out gutters to minimize water damage that could occur during heavy rains from overflowing drainage systems.
- Theft and Vandalism
One of the common homeowner’s insurance claims has to do with theft or criminal damage to the home, which accounts for about 6 percent of all claims. Your homeowner’s insurance plan may cover certain items within the home, but it’s important to check your policy to know exactly what is and isn’t covered. It is a good idea to take an inventory of your valuables. At the very least, you should photograph the contents of your home and your personal property to provide some record of the materials in your home in the event of a break-in.
Secure your home by investing in a security system, especially if you have a lot of valuables inside. Always lock doors and windows, and never leave the garage door open so that thieves have easy access to the home. Additionally, be careful about posting on social media about when you are traveling and away from the home, as certain criminals learn that the home is unoccupied by following your social media pages.
- Fire Damage
The reported loss of a homeowner for fire damage from 2011-2015 was $43, 983, making it the most expensive type of damage.
Taking certain precautions inside the home can largely prevent fires. Make sure that all appliances that require heat such as a stove and oven are closely monitored when in use and turned off immediately after use. Never leave anything that could be flammable, like paper, laying on the stovetop.
Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and check them annually to ensure proper working condition. Also, never leave a burning candle or cigarette unattended in your home, and never light anything near flammable materials such as curtains or bed sheets.
When damage to the home occurs, filing a homeowner’s insurance claim can be tricky. Sometimes, insurance companies don’t want to pay for the covered losses despite a homeowner making on-time payments of premiums for years. If your home is damaged, you should contact an attorney first. Your attorney can help you work with the insurance company to ensure you get the amount of money you are owed for your claim.
References:
Top Homeowners Insurance Claims. (2016, April 06). Retrieved from https://insurancejournal.com/news/national/2016/04/06/404400.htm
Mile, E. (2018, September 14). 7 Common Home Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them. Retrieved from https://extramile.thehartford.com/home/home-insurance-claims/
