Our Top Fall Insurance Tips
With leaves changing and falling, temperatures dropping and the weather ever-changing, fall is a period where your insurance can come in handy due to the uptick in risks after summer. With the right insurance in place and mindfulness around changing weather patterns, you'll be on your way to safe and happy fall. Here are our top tips for keep safe this autumn season:
Beware of Increased Autumn Traffic
It’s that time of the year again... back-to-school! That can mean back-to-school traffic, and traffic means more fender benders. A fender bender may be minor and even look like there's no damage, but deciding not to file a claim could cost you. If another driver is involved, you might become liable if they file a claim. Damage may not be obvious at the time of the accident, and it could cost you a pretty penny later. Play it safe and involve your insurer if you’ve been in an accident.
Consider Flood Insurance as a Property Owner or Renter
If you're a renter you may think your home is covered by your landlord's policy. Wrong! Not only do you need your own insurance to protect your personal property and liability while living in a rental, you'll also want to consider flood insurance. Like homeowners insurance, renters insurance does not cover damage from flood. Talk with your agent about what is and isn't covered under your renters insurance policy to avoid any surprises.
Putting away your motorcycle for winter could help you save on your motorcycle insurance costs
As temperatures start dropping in the northern states, motorcyclists will soon be putting away their bikes for winter. If the colder weather will be sidelining your rides, ask your agent about a motorcycle layup policy to help you save on your motorcycle insurance while your bike is in the garage. These policies offer comprehensive coverage, but not the additional coverages you need on the road to help you save money in the offseason.
Look out for wet leaves on the road
Fall weather means changing colors and soon falling leaves. While the foliage can be beautiful, it can also be dangerous. Wet leaves on the roads can be a big driving risk. If you see eaves on the road, allow more room between you and other vehicles, obey the speed limit and avoid driving through piles of leaves. You should also check on your collision coverage to make sure damages to your car caused by slipping on wet leaves will be covered under your auto insurance.
Keep trick or treaters safe on your property
Are you aware of the Halloween-related risks of a homeowner? You could be in for a real treat if a trick- or-treater falls on your property. Luckily, your homeowners or renters insurance policies will likely cover this, as long as you are not considered negligent (e.g., if you do not clear walkways and have adequate lighting). Regardless, be sure to clear your entryways of pumpkins, sharp objects, and loose wires!
Clean those gutters!
The changing leaves are pretty, but once they fall its important to clean your gutters. This fall chore is too important to skip. If there is damage to your house related to your gutters and you neglected to maintain them, your claim could be denied by your homeowners insurance. With ice dam season approaching, you won't want to procrastinate!
Be on the lookout for frosty driving conditions
It's getting colder and darker. As winter approaches, take care on the roads, especially in the early morning. Frost and ice can form on the roads, especially bridges, and can be difficult to spot. Obeying the speed limit, giving yourself space from other cards on the road, and making sure your insurance is up-to-date will help keep you safe and protect you from the costs of an accident. Check on your liability and collision coverage under your auto insurance to make sure you're covered for colder weather.
We’re here to help. We will be happy to review your current insurance policies with you. We can also review your current coverages and discuss any potential risk areas that you may have. Contact us via email, phone at 888.498.8726 or visit our website. Have a happy and safe fall from all of us at Insurance by the Woods.
Originally Published at Insuramatch