Winter can be a harsh time of year because of the weather it brings. Since ancient times, it has been a season to prepare for – and that still holds true to this day. To get ready for a cozy winter in your home, be sure to follow these preparation tips:

Check your pipes: When water freezes, it expands. When this happens to the water in your pipes, it could result in a messy insurance claim for water damage or potentially no coverage at all if your home is vacant or unoccupied when the loss occurs.

If you plan to leave your home for winter, make sure that your furnace or thermostat is set to at least 60 degrees to avoid potential damage to your indoor pipes. Also, before outdoor temperatures drop to below-freezing levels, shut off outside faucets and wrap exposed piping in heat tape for protection. A professional plumber can advise you on which pipes you will need to maintain.

Secure your roof: When snow piles up, it can get very heavy and the weight can damage your roof. Before snowfall, give your roof a careful visual inspection. Most roof damage is actually below the shingles, so look for buckling, sagging, or otherwise uneven areas. Missing or broken shingles should be replaced. A roofer can best asses any damage that you find and advise on necessary repairs.

Maintain your gutters: Just as too much snow on your roof can be bad, too much water can be just as harmful in the form of leaks or water damage. Keep your gutters clear so that snow and melt water can easily flow off the roof instead of building up on it – potentially causing damage.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Comprehensive Coverage is part of your “Physical Damage” or “Damage to your Auto” coverage.  It is sometimes called “Other Than Collision” coverage.  Simply put it covers “Damage to Your Auto” – “Other Than Collision” and is “Comprehensive”.  By that I mean that Comprehensive Coverage is an example of “all risk” coverage in that everything not excluded is covered.  It typically covers, subject to a deductible, nonmoving losses such as fire, theft and vandalism.  The policy may contain a list of loss types which are defined as not collision.  These then are specifically comprehensive losses.  This list is not, however exhaustive.  Remember that all losses not otherwise excluded are covered.  Some interesting provisions in the coverage are:

1.  Collision with an animal is covered under comprehensive

2.  Windshield damage is covered under comprehensive and may be free from your deductible if the windshield can be repaired instead of replaced

If any time you have concerns or questions about Comprehensive Insurance, please contact our team of PoliSeek licensed representative to assist.  They can be reached at 866-540-7335 or by visiting poliseek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.