Tips on Preventing Home Insurance Claims
You can take simple steps to prevent theft, fire, and water damage. Here are a few tips and reminders of some basic rules to help you avoid needless worry and unnecessary property damage.
Preventing Theft in Your Home
- Always lock your doors
- When you’re out, close and lock your windows
- Install outdoor security lights that turn on automatically when it gets dark
- If you’re going to be away for several days, ask a neighbour to collect your mail and newspapers and clear your driveway. If possible, leave a vehicle in your driveway
- Install an antitheft system. It is without doubt the best way to protect your home against theft
- Make an inventory of your property. In the event of a theft, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything
Protecting Your Family and Home Against Fire
- Check your smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year
- Establish a fire evacuation plan and discuss it with your family
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and remind them that these items are for adult use only
- Never smoke in bed or when you’re sleepy, and douse your cigarette butts with water before throwing them out
- Never leave an electric stove unattended
- When cooking, always turn pot handles inward
- Use a deep fryer to fry food
- Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis
- Do not plug several different appliances into the same electrical outlet
Preventing Water Damage
- If you’re going to be away for several days, turn off your washing machine taps
- In the fall, remove dead leaves from your gutters
- In the spring, make sure the asphalt shingles on your roof are intact
- Before winter, cut the water supply to all outdoor taps
For more prevention tips, consult the Insurance Bureau of Canada.