Laurie Marinelli, Personal Insurance Manager, CPCU, CIC, AAI, AIS

Many consumers have faced rapidly escalating insurance premiums on their homeowners insurance during the past few years. In some cases, consumers have experienced difficulty in procuring homeowners insurance, particularly people with several claims. However, consumers can take numerous measures to lessen the possibility of future losses, resulting in more readily available insurance down the road and more affordable premiums.

The Following Tips Offer Ways of Reducing Losses on Your Homeowners Policy:

Replace washing machine hoses when they show signs of deterioration. Consider replacing them with stainless steel hoses. The hoses should also not rub against the wall. In addition, turn off the washing machine water faucet when the appliance is not in use to prevent leaks.

If you experience a water leak, make sure it is properly repaired and promptly remediated, which can include the removal and replacement of building materials such as sheetrock. For larger water leaks, a professional who specializes in remediation should be called in. These measures will reduce the possibility of hazardous and expensive mold losses down the road.

Consider an automatic water shut-off system for your home. This type of system has sensors that detect water leaks. These sensors then send a wireless signal that interacts with the shut-off valve to turn off the water to the home.

Maintain your roof in optimal condition. A quality roof inspection on a periodic basis can identify sections that need repair and thus prevent water losses. Roofing materials containing high wind resistance features should be considered in windstorm-prone areas.

Ultimately, the purpose of insurance is to protect you financially in the event of an unforeseen loss or major catastrophe. By keeping your home in top condition, you prevent situations that could increase your costs or result in a more difficult time obtaining insurance for your property.  If you have questions about how maintenance and other loss prevention issues may impact your insurance protection plan, we’re glad to discuss them with you.

Copyright 2013
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Read Other Blog Posts

People celebrating

Hosting Holiday Parties Responsibly: Tips for Personal & Business Gatherings

While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, taking some simple precautions can prevent mishaps and protect you from unexpected situations. Here are some practical tips for hosting a safe and successful holiday party, with a focus on being prepared.
Holiday Decorations

10 Tips for Disaster-Free Holidays

From mishaps in the kitchen to accidents involving decorations, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your holidays stay merry and bright. Here are ten tips to help you enjoy a safe and disaster-free holiday season.
Map & Passport

Travel Smart: Holiday Safety Tips for Your Seasonal Adventures

Between the packed highways, bustling airports, and unpredictable weather, holiday travel comes with its fair share of challenges; here are some fun and practical tips for staying safe while traveling this holiday season.
Snowy Neighborhood

Protect Your Property This Winter: Tips to Prevent Costly Damage

From frozen pipes to roof collapses, the risks of winter property damage are real for both residential and commercial property owners. The good news? Many of these issues can be avoided with proactive steps that save you money and help keep your insurance premiums manageable.
Family decorating tree

Decorate Safely During the Holidays

While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards. To keep your home and family safe throughout this holiday season, consider the following decorating tips.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and reflect on all we’re grateful for.  To help you celebrate safely and ensure that your holiday is filled with joy, not unexpected mishaps. here are some tips to keep in mind.
Car tire

Vehicle Breakdown Safety Basics

No one ever plans to experience a vehicle breakdown. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared in order to handle such a situation safely. Implement the following guidance to ensure you remain safe and injury-free in the event that you get stuck on the road.
Calculator

How Insurers Calculate Premiums

Depending on the type of policy, an insurance premium must be paid monthly, twice a year or annually. Each policy type will have also have a different premium amount based on the coverage and policyholder. It’s essential to understand how premiums are calculated so you can secure the best deal without sacrificing coverage.
Drowsy

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.