When you think about keeping your homeowner’s insurance policy rates as low as possible, you think about keeping up maintenance to make sure people – those who live in the home and visitors alike – are less likely to get injured on your property. You would increase your security by putting strong locks on all doors and windows, maybe even installing an alarm. You might even buy a cat instead of a dog to reduce the possibility of your guests getting bitten.
However, have you thought about keeping your homeowner’s insurance policy rates as low as possible during the different seasons? The weather during winter can cause damage to your home which can present a safety risk to the people living in it and visiting so you need to prepare for the colder season.
To make repairs to your home before winter, start at the top. You can use a gutter cover to stop any leaves or branches from falling into the gutter and blocking it which can also lead to cracks in the ice, just make sure you have fully cleaned it out before putting the cover on. Then take a look at the walk way and steps that lead to your home. You should secure anything outside your home that is loose like handrails, steps and stones as well as filling in any cracks or holes that could be covered in snow and cause injury if someone were to step in them by accident. If your steps do not have a handrail, consider installing one. Also; take a look at the outside structure of your home. If you have any cracks, repair those as well.
Next move into your home. Make sure you and your contents stay warm by making any repairs to your heating system, adding extra thermal insulation, and repairing cracks in windows. If you carry these checks out regularly you should have less of a need for homeowner’s insurance and will be able to pay for less comprehensive coverage.
