No one wants to think about the possibility of an accident at home, but when you own a house, being prepared is part of the job. Understanding the most common home insurance claims isn’t about worrying; it’s about being proactive and ensuring your policy provides the right protection. It’s how you protect what matters most.
Here are five of the most common home insurance claims and how you can prepare for them.
1. Water Damage
Water damage is a leading cause of home insurance claims, and it can happen anywhere. From a sudden pipe burst behind a wall to a leaky appliance or a simple rainstorm, water can cause significant damage.
- How to Prepare: Review your policy to confirm what water damage is covered. Remember that standard home insurance typically covers damage from sudden, internal events (like a pipe burst) but does not cover damage from natural flooding. For flood protection, you need a separate flood insurance policy.
2. Wind and Hail
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. High winds and hailstorms can cause significant damage to the exterior of your home, including roofs, siding, and windows. The extent of this damage can be surprising and expensive to repair.
- How to Prepare: Ensure you have adequate coverage for wind and and hail damage based on where you live. Consider your roof’s age and condition, as this can affect your coverage.
3. Personal Accidents & Guest Injuries
As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to keep your property safe for visitors. If a friend, family member, or guest takes a tumble or is injured while at your house, you could be held liable for their medical bills and other costs.
- How to Prepare: Your home insurance policy includes liability coverage for just this reason. It’s designed to protect you financially from a lawsuit if you are found legally responsible for a guest’s injury.
4. Dog Bites & Attacks
Our furry friends are part of the family, but even the best-behaved dogs can be unpredictable, especially with unfamiliar guests. A dog bite or attack is a common liability claim that can lead to costly medical bills and legal fees.
- How to Prepare: As a responsible dog owner, always be aware of your dog’s behavior with guests. Protect what matters most by making sure your home insurance provides proper liability coverage for your pet, just in case the worst happens.
5. Fire
The emotional and financial loss from a fire is devastating. Fire claims can be total losses, making it critical to have robust coverage in place to help you rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
- How to Prepare: Make sure you have adequate coverage to rebuild your home to its current standard and replace all your personal property. We also recommend creating a digital list or a photo inventory of your valuables and possessions. This will be invaluable when filing a claim.
Caring Makes the Difference
Knowing these top claims is the first step to ensuring you have a comprehensive policy. Your home is unique, and so are your insurance needs. We’re here to help you review your current policy to ensure you don’t have any gaps in coverage.
Contact us today at (281) 558-1991 or email us at info@parkwayinsurancegroup.com to ensure your home is protected from the most common claims.
