Many Homeowner’s Insurance claims can be avoided by taking very good care of your home. By making your home maintained and energy efficient, you will not only avoid claims, but also save money. Below are some tips on the preventive measures you can take in order to avoid claims on your Homeowner’s Insurance.

Prevent Water Damage

The most common home insurance claims are a result of water damage. While sudden water damage will most likely be included in your insurance, gradual damage will not, so it is up to you to monitor your home and prevent the infiltration. Clean out water backup valves, check your pipes to make sure they are in good condition, stop the water supply to the outdoor water faucets when not needed, and clean drains and gutters. Do not forget to check the age of your water tank so that you know when it needs to be replaced to avoid damages.

Check the Attic, Roof, and Chimney

Check the roof to make sure there are no areas in need of repairs and no loose shingles. For flat roofs, check for buildup of leaves or any other debris. If you are not sure whether your roof needs repairs, you can contact a roofer and get a second opinion with an estimated price of repairs. Besides checking the roof, check the spaces between the roof, the attic, and the living areas of your home, if you are not using those areas for living. Every year before using your chimney or furnace, have them checked and cleaned to make sure they are in working condition.

Check for Rodents

Every fall, or more often if you can, check the outside of your home for any entry points that can be used by rodents, such as cracks in the exterior walls and foundation. Make sure the screens on your vents inside the home are intact and get a professional to have your home checked, if you hear any noises in your roof or walls.

Secure the Outside

Remove any outdoor furniture away for the winter, including anything that can be sent flying in case of a strong wind or storm. Moreover, in winter months, prevent outside surfaces from being slippery and make sure deck boards or patio stones are smooth and not loose, in order to avoid injuries that can happen to you or guests at your home. Keep the outside well-lit and do not forget to do some prevention and maintenance in your garage. Check for any tree branches overhanging your property and clear branches or trees near power lines and electrical posts.

If you are not sure about the condition of any element in your home, ask a professional for a second opinion. Prevention will save you a lot of money and help you to avoid having to make an insurance claim.