Check Home Insurance in New Bedford Before Deep Frying Turkey
How good is your MA homeowners insurance policy? Do you know what is covered under your current policy? When is the last time you contacted your New Bedford insurance agent to get an updated home insurance quote? If it has been awhile, we suggest that you contact Borden Insurance to discuss your coverage and options for home insurance in New Bedford. New coverage options and discount opportunities could help you make sure that you are covered when you need it the post. So before you drop that turkey into the deep fryer for the first time, make sure to contact your agent to update your policy and check on your coverage.
The #1 Season for Fires
Did you know that the holiday season is the #1 time of year for fires? When you think about it, it’s not surprising. Plenty of homeowners decide to go a little “over the top” in their holiday celebrations, so deep frying turkeys is a small threat compared to everything else. Old, worn out holiday lights with frayed wires and overloaded circuits are a significant contributor to seasonal fires. Fireplaces and heating systems that are not adequately checked before using can also result in a disastrous fire and lots of costly damage. Candles tip over, Christmas trees get dried out, and cookies get burned in the oven. Find out what you’re covered for with your MA homeowners insurance policy.
Increased Break-Ins and Robberies
The holiday season also attracts burglars who would love nothing more than to play the part of that mean old Grinch. When you combine big-ticket holiday shopping and presents under the tree with extended trips out of town to visit the grandparents, you’re just begging to get a break-in. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of break-ins and theft. Your New Bedford insurance agent can talk with you about home alarm systems, video cameras, and other deterrents, including putting lights on timers or using smart light technology, having your mail held at the post office, stopping newspaper delivery, and keeping travel plans off your social media account. Check all doors to make sure they are properly reinforced and locked, and increase outdoor lighting to eliminate hiding spots and dark corners.
Snow and Ice Management
It’s not just smart to keep your driveway and sidewalk shoveled in the winter – it’s the law. In addition to community regulations and HOA rules about keeping these surfaces free and clear of snow and ice, you could also be putting yourself at risk for liability if you don’t. Visitors to your home, which can include neighbors, salesmen, utility services, postal delivery, package services, friends, and even family could slip and fall on your sidewalk, driveway, or front porch if you don’t keep snow and ice under control. Any resulting injuries could lead to a lawsuit. Don’t assume that the people you know won’t sue you, because lawsuits between family and friends happen every day.
Cold Weather Risks
What about those pipes? Frozen pipes cause considerable damage to most homes, leaving homeowners without water service in the middle of winter and a big mess to clean up afterward as well. Speak with a plumber about insulating pipes, especially in outdoor or unheated areas of your home. Attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and even the spaces behind your kitchen cupboards can get cold enough to freeze. If you leave your home for long periods in the winter, do not lower your thermostat too low. It is recommended no lower than 64F degrees. If any lower the safest measure to take would be to drain the pipes and turn off the water supply at the main. Water damage from an unattended pipe burst could cause as much damage as would a major fire.
Before the snow falls, check rain gutters for leaves, twigs, acorns, and pine needles. When the snow melts, it will need to run off without blockage to prevent water damage to roofing materials, attics, and walls. Replace your furnace filters before use and throughout the season to prevent clogs that could lead to a fire. Trim any branches that might break off or cause damage if they become covered with snow and ice.
Update Your Policy
If you get new furniture, make renovations, update fixtures, or replace your HVAC system, be sure to contact your New Bedford insurance agent. Even if you don’t make changes to your policy with a new home insurance quote, you’ll want to make sure that these items are included in your MA homeowners insurance policy. That way, if something does go wrong in the future, you will be covered for damage that happens to the upgraded materials or new equipment. Some energy-rated equipment and safety gear can also earn you discounts on your policy, so make sure to ask when you call about home insurance in New Bedford. Contact your agent today at Borden Insurance by calling 508-999-3636.