Home Insurance Tips to Lower Rates

Here are some simple tips to prevent claims so that the insurer doesn’t void your policy because of failure on your part to prevent accidents.

Insurers expect homeowners to take all the necessary precautions to prevent damage or accidents that may lead to an insurance claim.

If you don’t read and understand terms and conditions carefully and don’t take actions to minimize the risk of damage then what you are doing is giving your insurer a 'get out of paying' clause by ignoring these home insurance tips.

1.    In autumn, clean your gutter to remove the debris and leaves, because water can overflow down the walls and seep down through the plaster walls.

2.    Check the roof for broken or loose tiles or place where mortar or flashing has come out. Water can find its way through these pores or tiles and can slide down and injure people.

3.    Prevent damage to your woodwork by maintaining paintwork. Either replace the woodwork or fill any small affected section.

4.    If you have a stove or an open fire, keep the chimney clean to prevent blockages, nesting birds and fire. 

5.    Plants climbing the roofs look great but they can damage the roof by pushing the tiles, brickwork and mortar. So, don’t allow your plants to creep up the walls.

6.    Check your home insurance policy before planting or felling trees. Some trees have huge root systems that can undermine property foundations.

7.    Policy covers trees only if they are alive and not the dead or rotten ones.

8.    If you have any oil or gas heating devices then get it checked every year by an engineer.

9.    Regularly check your lofts; if the birds have nested there it could lead to problem of rodents which can chew through electrical cables.

These few tips can help in keeping your property weather proof and removes all the possibilities on the basis of which your insurer can refuse to grant your claim.

Use the above tips as a check list. It will take few minutes to strike all the columns. By doing so you are more likely to have a hassle free claim.

Other tips include keeping your insurer informed about any structural changes that you make to your home. For instance, if you have hired a builder then you might want a damage or break-ins insurance, if the work involves major structural changes or making your home less secure.

Article Tags: Home Insurance

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