Maintaining a Safe and Insurable Home

Stairways should be clutter-free, have sturdy handrails and banisters, and have carpet securely attached. Water Damage Water or freezing account for about 25 percent of insured homeowners' property damages. Old hoses in washing machines often break, causing major flood damage. Check hoses at least once a year for wear and consider replacing rubber hoses with stainless steel. If the washer is in an upper level, install an overflow pan linked to a drain to avoid possible flooding, floor and ceiling damage. Water heaters need to be checked regularly for leakage, rust and corrosion, especially as they near the expiration of their warranty. Dishwashers, icemakers in refrigerators, backed-up toilets and overflowing bathtubs also cause water damage. "Make sure the water shutoff valve is in working condition and that you know how to use it," Bowen says. Falls and Accidents Walkways need to be kept free of toys, electrical wires and other trip hazards. Spills need to be cleaned immediately and the bathroom floor kept dry. Carpets or throw rugs need to be anchored to the floor. A visitor may be covered if he or she slips on a throw rug or unsecured carpet, but residents generally are not covered. Keep stairways well-lit and clear of clutter. Make sure stairways have sturdy railings and check the stair codes to make sure your risers are not too steep or your treads too narrow. If you have small children, install safety gates. Poisonous Gases and Chemicals Make sure your heating systems are maintained. If your home uses propane gas and you smell it, turn off all flames, evacuate the house and call your propane provider. If you're warming up your car in the garage, open the door to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Store all household cleaners, hobby chemicals, gasoline and other poisonous or flammable products where they cannot be reached children or ignited by a spark or flame. Mold, Household Pests and Pets Most standard policies don't cover mold or termites. If mold has been detected in the property in the past, insurance companies will likely want to see a certificate of mold remediation by an expert before insuring it. Leaking pipes create water damage and promote mold growth, leading to expensive mold remediation, Worters says. Termites cause major damage to homes, so check for them periodically and get rid of them at the first sign. For a property that has had termites, they will probably require a certificate of remediation and, if the infestation has been severe, an inspection of the residence must verify that it is structurally sound. As for pets, insurance companies pay out hundreds of millions of dollars every year in claims for dog bites. If you have an aggressive dog, make sure it's trained and remains under control. Electronics and Security Systems Protect your electronic equipment from power surges and lighting strikes with surge protectors. As homeowners invest thousands of dollars in home entertainment centers, computers, fax machines and printers, the payout for insurance claims "is going through the roof," McCollum says. "Surge protectors are cheap." Electronic security systems can help protect your family from burglaries and personal crimes. Finally, use deadbolts on your exterior doors and locks on your windows and sliding glass doors to protect yourself and your family. Consumers are generally eligible for insurance premium discounts if they have smoke detectors, burglar alarms and deadbolts. The discount can be a little higher if the fire and burglar systems are linked to a centralized reporting system that can trigger a response from fire or law enforcement officials even if no one is home. Check out "Checklist for Safe, Insurable Exterior Property" for ways to safeguard the outside of your home and "Checklist for a Safe and Insurable Home" for specific items to pay attention to.

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