Consider "winterizing" your home, even if you live in California! With winter comes storms, high winds, and flooding. There are steps you can take to prevent damage to your home. Also keep in mind, having a claim on your homeowners policy could make it extremely difficult to find new coverage if you are non-renewed. Read on for our tips, and remember, flooding is NOT covered on your homeowners policy. More on how you can get a flood quote below.
- Gutters: Keep your gutters clean. Rain can damage your walls and foundation if gutters aren't cleaned.
- Roof: Check for missing or damaged shingles and replace them if needed. Clear leaves and debris from roof. Trim back any trees overhanging the roof, which is not only a fire hazard, but also degrades the roof, and causes moss growth. Remove all moss. Many clients have lost their insurance because upon reinspection, their existing carrier saw a worn out roof.
- Furnace: Regularly change your furnace filters to avoid increased energy demand, and so you can breathe cleaner air. Clean and maintain your furnace to help it run efficiently. If you change insurance companies, you will be required to have an updated furnace, less than 35 years old.
- Inspect other systems: Check your fireplace, water heater, doors, and windows. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test and replace the batteries regularly, before that beeping wakes you up at 3:00am!
- Prevent water claims: Check for leaks around your home. Install drain traps on frequently used drains to catch hair and debris. Install a water leak sensor that sends notifications of water detection to your smartphone. You can buy a water leak sensor here: Amazon - Yo Link Water Leak Sensor. You can also have a plumber install an automatic water shut off valve.
- If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period, turn off your water supply, or consider a house sitter.
- Drainage: Look for standing water around your property, and remove any debris that might be blocking existing drains. Grade your landscape so that water flows away from your home's foundation. Groundwater intrusion from the exterior of your policy is NOT covered under your homeowner policy.
- More tips here: Winterizing on a Budget
As we mentioned above, flood losses are NOT covered on any homeowners policy, per this CNN article. A "flood" is defined by an intrusion of ground water from the exterior of a property. A separate flood policy must be purchased for the property in order to have coverage.
Flood policies are not just for those living near a body of water. Climate change and the higher frequency of super storms has lead to an increase in homeowner losses due to flooding. We have had several clients experience flood losses due to heavy rains, many of which are in urban areas. Without flood insurance, they have to cover the loss on their own.
Every California homeowner should have flood insurance, especially those living on a hill, below a hillside, or below street level. Don't wait until flood season to get coverage, if you can help it. Many companies have up to a 30 day wait for coverage to start.
You can never predict the time, cause and severity of any major loss, and the effect it will have on you. You can control purchasing the proper insurance to protect against such a catastrophic loss. As big winter storms are getting to be more frequent, please, stay safe, and let us know how we can help you.
Contact Us if you have questions, or would like a flood policy quote. Good luck with your "winterizing," stay safe out there, and let us know how we can help.