Prevent These Common Winter Property Damage Claims

Homeowners can’t always foresee elements that will cause property damage. However, they can take many preventative measures to protect their home, especially during the winter months, and avoid challenging insurance claims.

Some common property damage claims related to cold weather are avoidable with proper maintenance and a little forethought. Here we will investigate avoidable wintertime hazards and how to protect your property when you have to make a claim.

What Constitutes a Property Damage Claim?

A property damage claim occurs when injury or damage to a building or personal belongings. The claim is made to the owner’s insurance company for reimbursement after paying the agreed-upon deductible. The insurance adjuster determines the amount payable after inspecting the damaged goods and provides an estimated total value to the insuring company.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of homeowners’ most common property damage claims. Unfortunately, water flows where there is the least resistance, and destruction follows when it unexpectedly finds its way into your home.

The usual culprits include:

• Leaky roofs - gaps in shingles, poorly sealed vents, or damage from storms may cause a leak in the roof. Water can penetrate rafters, insulation, drywall, and ventilation systems, but it can also form ice dams in the wintertime. 
• Clogged gutters - leaves and other debris can prevent the proper flow of water, causing it to spill over against the home’s siding and foundation, which causes basement flooding. In the winter, the gutters freeze and hold moisture against the roofline and the house. Again, they pose a risk of structural and internal water damage.
• Frozen pipes - improper insulation, heating failures, not turning exterior water sources off, and leaving garden hoses attached can all lead to frozen pipes. If not thawed quickly, they are at risk of bursting.

Protecting your home from water damage betters your chances of avoiding insurance claims and the inconvenience to your family. Take stock of household and yardwork tasks that help prevent water damage before an issue can develop.

House Fires

House fires are hazardous and sometimes deadly. Installing operational smoke and gas alarms helps to save your family from harm should a fire or gas leak occur; however, your home and belongings are still at risk from smoke and fire damage. While house fires can happen any time of the year, the winter months pose significant risks worth mentioning.

The usual suspects are:

• Heaters - colder temperatures highlight areas where the house may not be as well insulated as others, leading to the need for space heaters which are more at risk of starting a fire.
• Holiday lights - improper installation of old or new holiday lights can lead to interior or exterior electrical fires. Additionally, light bulbs may get hot and catch flame if they are resting on a flammable item, like a Christmas tree.
• Candles - the holidays also have a greater instance of burning candles, which pose a significant fire hazard when left unattended.
• Electrical outlets - With new devices, extra extension cords, and more house guests charging phones, the strain on electrical outlets could lead to shorts and sparks, resulting in a fire.

Taking the proper precautions and following the recommended guidelines on appliances will help reduce the risk of fire and property damage.

Get the Most Out of Your Insurance Claims

Insurance claims are not easy to navigate, and you may not get the actual value of your property during the assessment process. Thankfully, with the help of TSO Adjustment Service in Washington, PA., they can act on your behalf to negotiate the best possible return. Not only do they consider your property value, but also the inconvenience of being out of your home and the duress you experienced.

Maximize your insurance claim today! Book your appointment online or by calling 215-886-7440 now.