Tag: Home Safety

Spring Cleaning: Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering closets and dusting shelves—it’s also the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your home. From making small repairs to updating your home inventory list, a little effort now can save you from major headaches in the future. In this blog, we’ll go over how documenting repairs, upgrading security measures, and how keeping records for insurance claims can help simplify insurance claims and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Spring Cleaning and Home Improvements

Beyond the usual tidying up and disposing of clutter, spring is a great time to tackle the home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off this cold winter season. Here are some simple home improvement tasks you can work on to help you stay ahead of any potential home issues and complicated insurance claims.

  • Exterior Home Maintenance. Checking your roof for small leaks, cleaning gutters, repairing missing fence panels, and inspecting your walkways and stairs are all small tasks that can protect you against hefty insurance claims or liability issues.
  • Interior Home Maintenance. Deep cleaning of major appliances, inspecting for leaks, and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can catch any significant repairs or health concerns early, minimizing potential damage.
  • Improving Security. Improving your home with new locks and security systems will help keep your home safe and potentially decrease insurance payments.
  • Home Inventory and Documentation. Gathering important documents and updating your home inventory with any large purchases will help streamline any claims you may need to file.

Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Keeping records of any upgrades, projects, or purchases you’ve made is key in creating simple insurance claims. Not only will this demonstrate to your insurance company that you’re committed to maintaining your property, but you’ll also have all the detailed information for any claims you may need to submit. Here are some key pieces of information to keep track of:

  • Save all paperwork regarding purchases for materials and labor, as well as any contracts with repair services.
  • Warranties and Guarantees. Ensure you won’t be paying out of pocket for an item that has existing coverage.
  • Take photos and videos of any damages that have been repaired, along with organized time stamps and dates.
  • Improvement Log. Keep a general log of all improvements with clear descriptions and costs.

Have questions or need guidance? At the Safeside Insurance Agency, we strive to serve all our customers with the right service at the right price. Whether you’re unsure where to start your documentation or simply need assistance reviewing your current policy, we’re here to help. Call us today at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here, and let us guide you in finding the perfect plan tailored to your needs.

3 Common Homeowner’s Insurance Mistakes

A leaky pipe. An outdated policy. A roof that hasn’t been inspected in years. These may not seem urgent, but when you’re dealing with a denied claim or costly repairs, you’ll wish you took proactive steps to make sure you’re protected. Homeowner’s insurance serves as a safety net, but only if you do your part. In this blog, we’ll go over 3 common homeowner’s insurance mistakes and what steps you can take to stay ahead. Continue reading 3 Common Homeowner’s Insurance Mistakes

Renters Insurance and Theft During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many find themselves making large purchases to gift to their loved ones. Unfortunately, paired with the season of giving, is a 20% increase in theft-related crimes. In this blog, we will go over how you can handle theft during the holiday season as a renter and what strategies you can use to protect your assets to provide your family with the comfort the winter months bring.  

How Does Renters Insurance Protect Against Theft? 

If you are renting a home or apartment this holiday season and have not purchased renters insurance, it is the perfect time to think about adding it to your plan. At a low monthly cost, renters insurance not only protects your home against damages and liabilities, but also theft—whether it occurs in your home or off the property.  

Things to Consider 

  • Taking a Home Inventory: Having an up-to-date list of all your “big ticket items” is key in keeping track of how your totals stack up against what your policy limits are, especially when you start purchasing expensive gifts. 
  • Filing Claims: If you are filing multiple claims, you will have a higher premium. Consider the value of the items before filing a claim, as it may not be justifiable. 
  • Deductibles: Before your insurance covers the remaining cost of the stolen items, you will have to pay a deductible beforehand.  

Protecting Your Belongings Against Theft

Being mindful about busy shopping plazas, package deliveries, and keeping your house secure is key in protecting yourself before renters insurance needs to step in. 

  • Hide Valuable Items: If you have completed a big shopping trip, keep them out of sight from potential thieves and do not leave them in your vehicle overnight. Parking in well-lit, monitored areas is also a good idea.  
  • Lock Your Home and Vehicle: Always lock your vehicle and home, even if you are leaving for a short period of time.  
  • Install a Security System: Having a security system outside of your home can help you monitor any unusual activity, especially as your package deliveries increase. If it is an option, change the delivery time to when someone will be home. 
  • Vacations: Pause mail and newspaper deliveries while away, so there is no noticeable pile-up. Think about leaving a couple lights on, or better yet, place them on a timer.  

 Now that you know how renters insurance can protect you and your family both at your home and off your property, it is time to review your coverage to make sure your policy limits match your needs. To review your coverage or start services with us at the Safeside Insurance Agency, you can call us at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here. With over 30 years of experience servicing the Worcester Area, we are here to find you the coverage you need to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

 

Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Vacations

Whether you’re heading out for the winter holidays or a summer vacation, it’s important to leave behind a home that will be safe while you’re away. From avoiding accidents while you’re gone to deterring burglary with help from neighbors, preparing your home for a prolonged absence requires a little bit of work and planning. Regardless of if you live in a gated community apartment or an isolated house, learn how to keep your home safe during holiday vacations. Continue reading Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Vacations

Preparing Your Car and Home for Winter in New England

Even in New England, winter weather can sneak up on you, especially with the often milder fall days. But when it does hit—especially that first Nor’easter blizzard—if you’re unaware, your home and car are often the first to suffer for it. Whether you suddenly find an ice dam forming on your roof or are stuck in your car during a storm, learn how to mitigate the risks by preparing your car and home for winter when it strikes in Massachusetts. Continue reading Preparing Your Car and Home for Winter in New England

Getting Your New England Home Ready for Fall

We hope you’re having a great time in New England this fall! It’s a magical time of year, especially for us in New England, as the leaves change color and there is a crispness in the air. However, it also means the clock is ticking to prepare for both fall leaves and the winter freeze for your home. An ounce of prevention right now in the form of home maintenance can help you avoid big problems down the line, so learn all about getting your New England home ready for fall. Continue reading Getting Your New England Home Ready for Fall