Common Home Insurance Claims During Summer

Summer is a time for outdoor fun. Unfortunately, certain types of insurance claims increase during the summer due to the activities that you may participate in. Below are some common home insurance claims during summer months and a few ways to avoid them.

Outdoor Fires

With all of the barbecuing that takes place in the summer, it’s no surprise that outdoor grill fires are among the most common home insurance claims during summer. They range from small fires that cause little damage to major incidents with wide-spread damage. Help reduce the risk of grill fires by taking the following precautions:

• Place your grill a safe distance from any structures (such as your home, wooden play sets, porch railings, etc.)
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Check your propane tank for leaks, prior to use.
• Clean your grill often, to prevent grease build-up.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Drownings

As everyone looks for a place to cool off, home swimming pools are both a source of fun and a major safety hazard. Injury and death from pool activities are devastating. They also create huge liabilities for homeowners (wrongful death lawsuits, etc.). Safety should be a priority if you have a swimming pool (even a temporary one). Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always lock pool gates and doors.
• Never leave a child unattended in or around a pool.
• Never let anyone swim alone.
• Use childproof locks on doors leading out to the backyard.

Read our blog post on this topic for more pool safety tips.

Home Burglaries

Another issue that increases during the summer are home burglaries. There are several reasons for this spike. First, people are more likely to leave doors unlocked during the summer, making it easier for thieves to access homes. Secondly, more homes are left unattended as people leave for vacations. Reduce your risk by:

• Always locking your doors.
• Keeping your travel plans private.
• Installing a security system.

Other Common Home Insurance Claims During Summer

Home insurance claims are not limited to activities taking place at your home. Most policies cover you and your family in other activities. For instance, if your child plays baseball in the neighborhood and breaks someone’s window. Keeping safety in mind and being conscientious in all of your summer activities is the best way to reduce home insurance claims during summer. This way, you can focus more on the fun and less on insurance paperwork and lawsuits!