Prepare
for fire and ice
Winter can be a hazardous time of year in the home.
Subfreezing temperatures may lead to burst pipes
and related damage. Storms may fell trees and damage
homes. People may slip and fall on or around your
property. And electrical fires are a special concern
during the winter months when people spend more time
indoors and increase their use of lighting, heating,
and appliances. It is important to insure against
these types of damage and to make your property as
safe as possible for family and visitors alike.
Standard homeowners’ policies usually cover winter-related disasters such
as burst pipes and wind damage caused by weight of ice or snow, as well as fire-related
losses. Basic home insurance policies will only cover the actual cash value of
your home and its contents; broad policies and comprehensive policies will provide
the replacement value. Check your insurance policy to find out what kind of coverage
you have. If you rent, then standard renters’ insurance should cover damage
to your personal property caused by winter perils. And winter-related damage
to cars is often covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance
policy.
Insurance can also protect you if someone is injured on your property as a result
of your negligence. For example, home insurance should cover the costs (including
medical bills and the cost of legal representation in a lawsuit) you could incur
if someone were to slip on your broken steps and suffer an injury, or if someone
were to trip over your living-room rug at a party. Of course, you should take
steps to make sure your house does not pose such hazards. Try to place power
cords in such a way as not to trip passers-by, repair stairs and handrails promptly,
and warn visitors of any special hazards in your home. You do not have a legal
duty to clear your property of snow and ice (although local ordinances may require
you to clear the public sidewalk outside your home), but you may be negligent
if you create a hazard, for example, if a leak from your gutter creates an ice
slick.
There are several steps you should take to ensure that you get the most out of
your insurance coverage if you ever suffer damage.
- Prepare an inventory of all the insured items
in your household. The most effective way to do
this is to photograph or videotape insured items.
- Keep copies of all your insurance documentation
in a safe place inside your house, and in a safe
place outside your home.
Of course, it ’s even better to take steps
to prevent and avoid damage. Installing gutter
guards and cleaning out gutters can help ensure
that rain and meltwater flow away from the house
and into the ground, rather than into your walls
and ceilings. Caulking cracks in walls and around
windows can also help avoid water damage. You can
minimize the risk of storm damage by trimming trees,
getting weak branches removed, and chopping down
dead trees before they fall. You can avoid burst
pipes by keeping your house warm and insulating
your basement and attic. Just in case, learn how
to shut off your water in an emergency. Most important
of all, protect yourself and your family by checking
that smoke and fire alarms work properly. And if
you have any questions about claims under your
insurance, be sure to consult your lawyer.
Storms
Have a Price Tag
According to the Insurance Information Institute, losses in winter storms cost
more than $1 billion a year between 1986 and 2005. Water damage and freezing
account for approximately 17 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims,
while wind and hail account for close to 50 percent. The average claim for water
damage and freezing is $5,095.
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