When you have your home insured by Erie Mutual Insurance you get a FREE home loss prevention inspection as part of the policy.
These home inspections allow an expert with a trained eye to help homeowners identify and resolve potential risks in their homes. This is a win-win for both you as the policyholder and us as the insurance company.
Less Risk = Less Loss = Less Insurance Claims = Less Costs For All
Let’s take a look at the most common recommendations on how you can reduce your risk found during home inspections.
SECURING YOUR HOMES DECK AND RAILINGS
Replace or repair old deck boards and hand railings that have become tripping hazards to reduce your liability risk.
ROOF
Damaged or missing roof shingles can lead to extensive water damage inside your home. If your roof is old, it may be time for a replacement.
EAVESTROUGHS & DOWNSPOUTS AND HOME INSURANCE
Speaking of water damage, the roof isn’t the only way water can find its way inside your home to wreak havoc.
Make sure the system that moves water away from your home is working as it should by checking for clogs and ensuring the downspouts are taking water at least 2 meters away from your home to avoid pooling near your foundation. (1)
ELECTRICAL & WIRING
This is now more common than ever thanks to newer regulations requiring GFCI receptacle outlets to be used in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, laundry rooms and anywhere else that water may be present.
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter can help prevent you from being electrocuted).
When your body starts to receive a shock from a GFCI outlet, it senses this and cuts off the power before you’re injured.
Do you have Knob & Tube in your home?
Was your home built in the 1960s-1970s and still has aluminum wiring which might require replacement?
We recommend reading this guide to the Ontario electrical code.
TREES & BRANCHES
Overhanging trees and branches, especially when dying, are another common issue that is identified during a free home inspection.
If branches are hanging over the top of your home, garage, shed, deck, fence etc,. It’s a good idea to have an arborist have a look to gauge its risk.
Over time, especially when a tree is dead or dying, the smartest move is to remove the risk by trimming or removing the tree.
Learn more about trees and home insurance here.
While the above are considered the most common risks to your home that should be fixed and maintained, other considerations you should think about include plumbing updates and repairs to asphalt driveways and concrete walkways.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
SOURCES:
1. https://foundationwaterproofingniagara.com/blog/before-basement-waterproofing
