Tom's Blog
Your home is your place of happiness and peace, but when something goes wrong, that solidarity goes right out the window along with potential financial loss if you don’t have the right N.C. homeowners insurance. While nobody wishes to experience a homeowners insurance claim, inevitably it can and will happen, which is why you have a homeowners policy to begin with. While losses can’t be entirely avoided, knowing tips to protect your home from loss can reduce the risk.
Make Routine Checkups on Your Home Appliances
- Replace A/C filter and furnace filter regularly
- Vacuum A/C returns and supply regularly
- Have A/C coils cleaned and perform routine checkups on entire unit(s)
- Cut back trees and shrubbery against house and A/C unit as needed
- Replace batteries to smoke detectors every year or as needed
- Clean dryer vent screen after each use and vent pipe annually
Make Routine Examinations of Your Home Structure
- Check exterior or home for any masonry cracking and make repairs when needed
- Check exterior of trim and planks for any evidence of rot or other damage and make necessary repairs
- Routinely check roof for any damage or soft spots to indicate rot
- Pressure clean roof tiles, decks, and driveways as needed
- Inspect electrical sockets for any electrical damage and make the necessary repairs
- Inspect all windows and door seals and replace if needed
Make Routine Checkups of Your Plumbing
- Check caulking around baths, sinks, and flooring for any gaps or cracking and make necessary repairs
- Inspect faucets/sinks/toilets for dripping or leaky pipes
If and When a Loss Occurs
No matter how careful you are in protecting your home, there is no guarantee that a loss won’t still happen. The reason you have a N.C. homeowners insurance policy is to have that protection you need for your home and if a loss does occur, you will have some helpful tips to follow:
- Take Inventory- always maintain a current list of your household contents in your home and store it in a safe place such as fireproof box, away from your home, or at the bank in a safety deposit box
- Take Photos and Receipts- Update the list annually and maintain records/receipts of pricey household items
- Maintain Current Appraisals- On the big-ticket items, make sure you have an “up to date” appraisal(s) to validate the value of your item(s)
- Review Your Homeowners Policy with Your N.C. Independent Agent Annually- Doing this will help maintain a current value on your property and valuables
After a Loss Occurs
- Immediately call the police, if it is robbery or vandalism
- Immediately call your local N.C. independent insurance agent to report the loss so he/she can advise on further steps to take along with your policy and afforded coverage
- Take all necessary steps to protect the property from further damage
Doing routine checkups won’t prevent a loss from happening, but it can certainly reduce the risk exposure which may help put your mind at ease, knowing you are doing everything you can do to avoid a loss from occurring to your home!
