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As winter approaches, it's not just about staying warm—it's also about protecting your home, vehicle, and finances from the risks that come with the North Country cold season. From frozen pipes to icy road accidents, winter weather often leads to an increase in insurance claims. By taking the right precautions now, you can reduce the likelihood of filing claims and ensure you're properly covered in case of emergencies. Let’s explore how to "winterize" your insurance to keep you safe and protected all season long.
Winterizing Your Home: Avoid Costly Claims
Winter can bring a range of issues for homeowners, many of which could lead to filing an insurance claim. To help prevent damage, take these steps to winterize your home!
Prevent Frozen Pipes
One of the most common and costly winter insurance claims is burst pipes. Frozen pipes are a major cause of water damage in winter, leading to expensive claims. To avoid this, insulate pipes, particularly in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces. Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature (no lower than 55 degrees), even when you’re away. Lastly, allow faucets to drip on particularly cold nights to prevent pressure build up causing your pipes to burst. Some insurance policies may require you to take steps to maintain your home’s heating, so make sure you know what your insurance requires and doesn’t!
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Snow accumulation and ice dams can cause significant damage to your roof. Clearing your gutters before the first snowfall will allow for proper drainage. Inspect your roof for weak spots to minimize the risk of leaks or even roof collapse. Insurance may cover this damage, but preventing it is always easier. If maintenance is ignored, some policies might limit coverage for these types of claims.
Homeowners Insurance Review
Before winter hits, review your homeowners insurance policy and read up on the coverage language for common winter-related issues like snow damage, water leaks, and burst pipes. Confirm your policy limits are sufficient to cover the cost of potential repairs or replacements. It's important to know if you've added coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a winter-related issue.
Liability Protection
Slippery sidewalks are a common cause of injuries in winter. If someone slips and falls on your property, you could be held liable. It’s important to review your policy and confirm liability limits for this potential situation. Some policies offer additional umbrella coverage to extend liability limits which can provide extra financial protection.
Winter-Proof Your Vehicle: Stay Safe on the Road
Icy roads and snowy conditions increase the likelihood of accidents. North Country backroads are a huge cause of accidents in the winter. It’s crucial to make your vehicle winter-ready to avoid costly claims; be sure to review your coverage soon.
Collision Coverage
Slippery roads lead to more accidents in the winter months, so ensure your collision coverage is in place to cover repair costs in case of an accident. This is especially crucial in winter, as more claims tend to be filed for fender benders, sideswipes, and other collisions caused by icy conditions.
Comprehensive Coverage
Winter weather can damage your car in other ways, A.K.A. non-collision damages; falling branches, hail, and snowbanks can all cause harm. Check that you have comprehensive coverage, which handles non-collision damage. This type of coverage is essential for dealing with winter’s unpredictability, from fallen trees to storm damage.
Roadside Assistance
Getting stuck in the snow or dealing with a dead battery in freezing temperatures is stressful, as well as expensive if you’re not prepared. Adding roadside assistance to your policy ensures you’re covered for tows, jump-starts, or tire changes if needed.
Winter Tires
While insurance won't cover the cost of winter tires, many insurers offer discounts for drivers who take steps to improve safety. Installing winter tires reduces your risk of accidents, potentially lowering your premiums.
Proactive Steps to Avoid Winter Claims
Taking preventive action now can help minimize the risk of winter-related insurance claims. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your property.
Stay Off the Roads During Storms
The safest way to avoid an accident in a snowstorm is to stay home. If you have to drive, be extra cautious—drive slowly, leave plenty of space between vehicles, and avoid sudden stops. Reducing your risk of an accident can help keep your insurance premiums low by minimizing claims.
Inspect Your Furnace
A properly functioning furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and preventing damage like frozen pipes. Many insurance policies will cover damage caused by a broken furnace, but only if regular maintenance has been performed. Scheduling a furnace inspection before winter can help you avoid these claims altogether.
Emergency Preparedness
Winter storms often cause power outages, and having a backup plan in place can make all the difference. Consider investing in a backup generator to keep your home heated during a power outage. Some homeowners insurance policies may cover the cost of installing a generator if it’s necessary to maintain your home’s safety and comfort.
Why an Insurance Check-Up Matters
Winter poses unique risks that may not be covered under your existing policies. A quick review of your homeowners and auto insurance can help you spot any coverage gaps before winter hits.
Are My Policy Limits Sufficient?
While it's difficult to know for sure how much limit is too much limit, paying attention and setting your limits at a level you are comfortable with is important. Make sure your coverage limits are high enough to handle a significant winter disaster, like a roof collapse or major car accident.
Do I Have Enough Liability Coverage?
With increased risks of slips and falls, make sure your liability coverage protects you from costly lawsuits or medical expenses. As always, it is hard to know how much limit is enough limit based on different situations.
Is My Car Fully Protected?
Winter weather can lead to collisions and non-collision damage, so make sure your car insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage for added peace of mind.
Winter can be unpredictable, but your insurance coverage doesn’t have to be. At Northern Insuring, we want to help you prepare for the colder months ahead. Whether it's reviewing your homeowners insurance for potential gaps or ensuring your auto policy is equipped to handle winter hazards, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a quick insurance check-up to ensure your home and vehicle are protected this winter.
Need help? Contact the team at Northern Insuring Agency. Our professionals can help you figure out which personal insurance policy will be the best option to help you keep up with the ever-changing world we live in.
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