Top Hot Spots for Home Insurance Claims: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Image credit: Little DIY

Your home is more than just a place to lay your head at night; it's a sanctuary, a refuge from the outside world. But even in the safety of our own homes, there are potential hazards lurking around every corner, waiting to wreak havoc on our lives and our wallets. From the laundry room to the kitchen, and everywhere in between, here are some of the top hot spots for insurance claims that homeowners can easily avoid with a little proactive maintenance.

Laundry Room:

Let's start with the laundry room, a seemingly innocuous space where we go about our daily chores without a second thought. But did you know that failure to clean your dryer lint trap and air duct can lead to devastating fires? It's true. That's why we recommend cleaning your dryer air duct at least twice a year. A handy tip: schedule this task around the biannual ritual of changing your clocks for daylight savings time. Change your clocks, change your batteries (in your smoke detectors), and clean your dryer vents!

Fireplace:

Ah, the cozy comfort of a crackling fire on a chilly evening. But before you light that first match, remember to have your chimney or wood stove cleaned annually. Ideally, schedule this maintenance prior to the fall season to ensure that any unwelcome critters have vacated the premises before you cozy up by the fire.

Garage:

Is your garage more cluttered than a teenager's bedroom? If so, it's time to clear out the excess stuff. Not only does a cluttered garage increase the risk of fire, but it also provides a welcoming habitat for critters seeking refuge from the elements.

Basement:

A neglected oil furnace can spell disaster in the form of "puff backs" – incidents where soot or smoke backfires into your home. To avoid this messy and potentially dangerous scenario, be sure to have your oil furnace inspected annually.

Roof:

Out of sight, out of mind – until a leaky roof leads to water damage and mold growth, that is. To prevent such costly headaches, inspect your roof and chimney cap and flashing at least twice a year for damaged shingles, signs cracks in the chimney caps, and gaps in the caulk around the chimney flashing.

Kitchen:

Cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Make sure you're not inadvertently starting a fire along with dinner. Clean your cooktop after each use to prevent cooking fires, and keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach – and don't forget to check its expiration date!

Doors and Windows:

Last but not least, don't overlook the importance of securing your home's entry points. Check to make sure the locks on your doors and windows are in good working order, and take the time to deadbolt entry doors before leaving your home unattended for an extended period.

By taking proactive steps to address these common hot spots for insurance claims, you can help safeguard your home and your loved ones from potential disaster. Remember, a little prevention now can save you a lot of headaches – and money – down the road.