That’s why we’re sharing the 9 leading causes of home insurance claims and how you could help avoid them.
1. Bathroom leaks
Overflowing tubs, leaky toilets, and slow-draining showers could lead to water damage, but simple preventive maintenance could help you avoid costly problems. To help protect yourself:
- Regularly inspect the pipes supplying your toilet tank and the pipes under your sink to ensure they aren’t damaged or leaking. We recommend using metal-reinforced pipes where possible since they are more durable and damage resistant.
- Install backflow valves in basement bathrooms to help prevent sewage backups.
- Regularly inspect the joints around your shower and bath to help prevent water damage.
2. Leaking dishwasher or washing machine hoses
Corrosion, wear and tear, or damaged fittings could cause serious leaks and expensive repairs. To help avoid damage that will lead to a claim:
- Regularly inspect pipes and consider using metal-reinforced hoses
- Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine if you plan on leaving the house
3. Kitchen fires
Cooking-related incidents are one of the leading causes of house fires. To help minimize kitchen fire risks:
- Never leave your stove or cooktop unattended, especially when cooking with oil
- Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) approved deep fryers instead of using a pot and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep a portable fire extinguisher within easy reach so you can use it if a fire breaks out
4. Barbecues (BBQs)
Barbecuing is a great way to cook food, but – if not done properly – it could pose a safety risk and fire hazard. To help stay safe:
- Never use a gas or charcoal grill indoors and only barbecue in a well-ventilated area
- Position your BBQ away from flammable materials and do not block any vents
- Always lift the lid before opening the supply valveand lighting the BBQ
- Clean the burners every year using a brush specifically designed for this purpose
- Always store the propane tank outside (if applicable)
5. Electrical fires
Electrical problems could trigger fires and pose a significant threat to your home. To help reduce your risk:
- Use surge protectors for electronic devices
- Avoid plug dividers, as they can overload an electrical outlet
- Use extension cords that are properly rated to handle the total amps or watts of the lights, appliances or devices you will be powering
- Avoid hiding extension cords under carpets or rugs (since this can cause the cords to overheat)
- Hire a licensed electrician to ensure that any work completed on your house meets all residential building and safety code requirements
6. Candles
Take these precautions to help avoid accidental fires from candles:
- Always supervise lit candles and never leave them unattended
- Use sturdy, non-combustible candleholders
- Place them away from any flammable materials like drapes, bedding, carpet or books
7. Cigarettes
Cigarette-related fires are a major cause of property damage. Help prevent them by:
- Never smoking on a bed or sofa (it’s too easy to fall asleep!)
- Always wetting your cigarette butts before throwing them in the trash
- Never extinguishing cigarette butts in flowerpots or planters (because soil can contain combustible materials that could ignite)
8. Theft
Having your home broken into can be frightening and traumatic. Here are some ways to help reduce the risk of theft:
- Install a security system with surveillance cameras and alarms
- Reinforce doors and windows with sturdy locks
- Let trustworthy neighbours know when you'll be away for an extended period
9. Natural disasters and weather-related damage
Hailstorms, violent winds, and other natural disasters can severely damage your property, so if you’re building a new home, renovating, or repairing damage following bad weather, take this opportunity to choose building materials that are well-suited to the specific risks of your home’s location. For example, if your area is prone to hail, wind or severe rain, you may want to:
- Replace your standard roofing shingles with class 4 shingles, which are more much resistant to these types of strong weather events
- Make sure the grading of your property and your downspouts direct water away from the foundation to help prevent water from seeping into your home
- Consider adding a retention tank with a submersible pump (also known as a “sump pump”) to gradually discharge any water into the drainage system or outside of your home in the event of significant rainfall
No one knows what the future holds, but following a few simple prevention measures can help you prepare for the unexpected and help reduce potential damage.
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