With the changing of the seasons comes different types of insurance claims. To help prevent a possible loss to your home, here are some helpful tips to prepare your house for the cooler days ahead.
Falling Leaves Could Mean Falling People – While autumn foliage is a seasonal highlight, falling leaves can create hazardous conditions, especially when wet. Leaves on driveways, walkways, or steps can become slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. If a visitor, neighbor, or delivery driver gets injured on your property, your personal liability insurance may offer some financial protection, but prevention is always the safer route. Keep outdoor paths clear to reduce risk and maintain a safe environment.
The Autumn Season Down the Gutter – The beauty of falling leaves in autumn can quickly turn into a costly problem if they clog your rain gutters. Blocked gutters can prevent proper drainage, especially during heavy rains or hurricanes, leading to roof leaks, flooding, and significant water damage. In some cases, insurance companies may deny claims if the damage is linked to poorly maintained gutters. To avoid unnecessary expenses and protect your home, make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned and free of debris.
Gone with the Wind – In some areas, hurricane season goes all the way into November. Even if you aren’t in a directly hurricane-prone area, you may live in a place that gets secondary storms or tornadoes. Review your policy with an agent, as not every homeowner’s policy includes windstorm coverage.
The Bad Kind of Leftovers – Strong winds don’t just strip away shingles, siding, and other parts of your home’s exterior—they often leave behind a trail of destruction. When combined with heavy rain, these gusts can result in broken windows, flying debris, fallen trees, and even flooding. Unfortunately, many homeowners assume their insurance policy covers all storm-related damage, only to discover gaps in their coverage after the storm has passed. Reviewing your policy ahead of time can help you avoid costly surprises.
Earth, Wind & Fire – Cooler weather may bring cozy vibes, but it doesn’t reduce the risk of fire. Whether you’re roasting s’mores by the fire pit, relaxing by the fireplace, or lighting pumpkin-scented candles, it’s important to take precautions to keep your home safe from flames and smoke. Never leave open flames unattended, even indoors. Be mindful of breezes from fans, vents, or cracked windows, these can shift flames unexpectedly. Before lighting your fireplace for the season, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. This is also a great time to test your smoke detectors and ensure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and in working order.
Sleep Better at Night – Whether you’re already a client or not, work with a McConkey agent to review your policy. They can help you to identify gaps in your coverage, find areas you may be overpaying for and provide you quotes from many carriers to get you the best deal for a policy tailored exactly to fit your family’s needs.
