Insurance agents and brokers such as Trusted Choice and the Independent Agents & Brokers of America are offering tips to help families avoid winter risks that could increase homeowners insurance rates. By keeping your home out of danger’s way, you could avoid having to file claims, which in turn could increase your rates.

Here are the helpful tips from the insurers and brokers:

1. Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are buildups of ice that block water drainage from the roof and the gutters. Unfortunately, these dams can cause leaks from ceilings and walls, causing other problems down the line, including mold. In order to prevent ice dames, you want to remove leaves, sticks and other debris from your gutters – or install gutter guards. This will prevent debris from getting into the gutter and interfering with drainage.

2. Trim Your Trees

Because trees and branches are easily weakened by snow and ice, it’s important to trim the trees and remove dead branches. You don’t want the branches to snap and hurt a person on your property or even do damage to your car.

3. Roof Care and Repair

The insurers and brokers recommend that you check the structural security of the roof. Because accumulation of snow and ice can cause unusually heavy weight, you want to be sure that the roof is strong enough to handle it. Also, if you have any split or loose shingles, you want to repair or replace them.

4. Manage Your Pipes

Frozen or broken water pipes can crack, leak or even burst, causing tons of problems to homeowners. Insurers suggest that during the winter you keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer. Also, you could wrap heating tape around the pipes. Keeping cabinet doors open during cold spells allows warm air to circulate around the pipes. And if you think you’ll be gone from your home for several days, it’s a good practice to turn the water off completely to drain the pipes – or keep the water dripping through one or two faucets to prevent freezing.

5. Prevent Personal Injuries

Because homeowners are liable for injuries that occur on their property, it’s good to sprinkle your frozen driveways, walkways, steps or sidewalks with rock salt or sand.

If you take a strong effort to secure your home, you could increase your chances of keeping your homeowners insurance rates within your budget.

What are your tips for winter safety?

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