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.

Flooding can happen anywhere and at any time. Many people assume that their homes will be safe if they do not live near a large body of water, but that is simply not true. Homes on the east and west coast, such as prime coastal Californian real estate often attract eager buyers for the views, but a new buyer’s mind rarely weighs the possibility of elemental threats such as wind, fire, or water damage. Again, even if there is no apparent threat of flood, record breaking rains and a blocked drainage system can spell disaster in any neighborhood. Large thunderstorms, hurricanes, even melting snow can also build up enough water to cause a flood. These events can have catastrophic consequences to your home and your belongings. If you think that your home is covered for flood under your homeowner’s policy, please check your policy. Flood damage is not covered by the typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

Flood damage is often excluded from a homeowner’s insurance policy and savvy homeowners will know that to fully protect their home and their belongings inside, they will need supplemental insurance; in this case, flood insurance. If you have moved to a new home or are reassessing your current homeowner’s insurance policy, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Research what amount is right to cover your home and your possessions and know that a natural disaster such as a flood can be covered by insurance.

PoliSeek.com, one of the nation’s largest personal lines insurance agencies, would like to help you with your policy needs no matter where in the United States you live! We make it easy to compare flood insurance quotes to find the best combination of coverage and price for you.

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.