Tag: Homeowners Insurance

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

A Guide to Exterior Weather Damage and Homeowners Insurance

As the winter weather continues to settle in, homeowners are faced with the harsh reality of the damage snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause to the exterior of their home. From roof and siding damage to foundation cracks, the risks of weather damage are more than just an inconvenience — it can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards, and long-term structural issues. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how you can prepare for weather damage and the role homeowner’s insurance can play in your exterior home repairs. Continue reading A Guide to Exterior Weather Damage and Homeowners Insurance

Most Common Insurance Claims in the Fall

As the crisp fall air rolls in and the leaves start to change, many of us look forward to cozying up by the fireplace, heading out for scenic drives, and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. However, autumn also brings unique challenges that make proper insurance coverage vital. From weather-related accidents to home safety challenges, we will go over the most common insurance claims that are filed during the fall and how you can make sure you have the needed protection.  Continue reading Most Common Insurance Claims in the Fall

How Insurance Changes When Downsizing Your Home

Thinking about downsizing can feel like a really big step, but it’s an exciting chance to rethink what you really need in a home. Whether you are moving out of your parents’ home into your first apartment or from a family home to a retirement condo, there are several important aspects to keep in mind. In this blog, we will walk you through how insurance changes when downsizing your home and guide you through taking a new home inventory, assessing changes in liabilities, and determining whom it needs to cover.   Continue reading How Insurance Changes When Downsizing Your Home

How Home Renovations and Homeowners Insurance Interact

Home renovations start as dreams, then become plans, then budgets, a major project happens, and then your home is closer to your dream. But one thing often overlooked in the planning stages is how a home remodel can affect your homeowners insurance—namely, your premiums and what’s covered. There are three primary ways that home renovations and homeowners insurance interact. Let’s go over them below. Continue reading How Home Renovations and Homeowners Insurance Interact

4 Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Congratulations on the house! As both a big investment and a big change in your lives, it’s important to get the right protection and understand how that coverage works. Homeowners insurance is as complicated and varied as the houses it protects, so learning as much as you can before you start shopping around can make sure there aren’t costly mistakes down the line. Learn four helpful insurance tips for first-time homebuyers from your friends at Safeside Insurance! Continue reading 4 Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Reviewing Your Current Insurance in the New Year

A new year means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. New personal or financial goals, dealing with new purchases from the holidays, or a new business year. Regardless of your situation or plans, one thing everyone should do in the new year is revisit their insurance. Whether it’s homeowners, renters, auto, or business policies, reviewing your current insurance alongside your ambitions for this year is the first step to meeting your resolutions. Continue reading Reviewing Your Current Insurance in the New Year

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