Fall Prep: Get Your Home and Car Ready for Cooler Weather in Northwest Arkansas
Fall in Northwest Arkansas is a good time to take care of a few things around your home and car before colder weather arrives. A little fall maintenance can go a long way toward preventing the kinds of problems that can turn into expensive insurance claims later.
Here are a few things worth putting on your fall checklist.
Start with the roof and gutters
Before the leaves really start falling, take a look at your roof. From the ground, you can often spot missing or damaged shingles, areas that look uneven or anything else that deserves a closer inspection. Keep leaves and debris away from roof valleys, gutters, drains and areas where water needs to flow.
Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water to flow where you don't want it, causing damage to your home. It's worth getting ahead of the heavy rain NWA can receive in the fall, although this remains to be seen with the drought we've experienced this summer.
Check around windows and doors
Look for gaps around exterior doors and windows where cold air or moisture can get in. Replace worn weatherstripping and check the caulking around windows and other openings.
This is not just about keeping your heating bill under control (although that's great). Water can get into gaps around doors and windows, leading to much bigger problems, including damage to walls, flooring and personal belongings.
Get your fireplace and chimney checked
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, fall is the time to make sure it is ready before the first cold night.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended, particularly if you use your fireplace regularly. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are free of built-up creosote and that your chimney cap is in good shape.
And don't forget the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them, replace batteries if needed and make sure everyone in the house knows what to do if one goes off.
Protect your pipes before the first freeze
Northwest Arkansas winters can be unpredictable. We can have a beautiful 65-degree afternoon followed by a hard freeze. Before that first freeze warning, disconnect garden hoses and protect exposed pipes. Know where your home's main water shutoff is located, too.
A frozen pipe that bursts can cause significant water damage in a surprisingly short amount of time. Knowing where the shutoff is can help you act quickly if something goes wrong.
Take a look at the trees
Fall is a great time to look at the trees for the beautiful leaves and for maintenance. Look for dead branches, trees that are leaning toward your house or large limbs hanging over your roof, driveway or other structures. A branch that comes down during a fall storm or winter ice event can damage a roof, vehicle or other property. If you have a tree that concerns you, consider having it evaluated before severe weather arrives.
Don't forget your insurance review
Fall is also a good time to take a fresh look at your homeowners insurance. Have you made any major purchases since your last policy review? Did you remodel your kitchen, finish a basement, add a deck or make another significant improvement to your home?
It is worth making sure your coverage still reflects the home you actually have today.
This is also a good time to check whether you have adequate coverage for valuables that may have special limits under a standard homeowners policy. Jewelry, firearms, collectibles and certain other belongings may need additional coverage depending on what you own.
And take a few minutes to document your belongings. Photos or a simple home inventory can be incredibly helpful if you ever need to file a claim.
Give your car a fall checkup, too
Your home is not the only thing that needs a little attention when the seasons change. Your car and your auto insurance deserve a review, too. Check your tire pressure and tread before the weather gets colder. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape and your headlights and brake lights are working properly.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially if you regularly travel rural roads or spend time in the Ozarks. A flashlight, jumper cables, basic first-aid supplies, blankets and a few other essentials can come in handy when you least expect them.
What kinds of insurance claims can happen in the fall?
Fall claims can come from a lot of different places.
A severe storm can cause roof or siding damage.
A falling tree limb can hit your house or vehicle.
Heavy rain can contribute to water damage.
A kitchen fire or fireplace-related fire can cause major property damage.
As temperatures drop, frozen pipes can become a serious concern.
On the auto side, wet roads, reduced visibility, wildlife and fallen branches can all create hazards.
One important thing to remember is that insurance coverage depends on the specific circumstances and the policy you have. Not every type of damage is covered under every policy, and deductibles and exclusions matter. That is why it is better to understand your coverage before you need it by getting an insurance review.
Fall is a good time to ask questions
You don't have to wait until something goes wrong to talk to your insurance agent.
If you're not sure what your homeowners or auto policy actually covers, fall is a great time to review it. We can walk through your coverage, answer questions and help you understand where you may have gaps.
At Benchmarq Insurance, our job is to educate. Yours is to make choices.
So get the gutters cleaned, check those trees, prepare for the first freeze and take a few minutes to make sure your insurance still makes sense for your family and your home.
