Do I Need to Maintain My Property to Comply With My Property Insurance Policy?

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, one of which is property maintenance. It is important to conduct maintenance on your property frequently to discover and fix any potential issues before they become larger problems, but also to ensure if a property damage claim arises, it will be covered. One of the most common reasons insurance companies deny an otherwise valid claim is for lack of maintenance to the property. Here are some basic maintenance tips to keep your house in good order, and if you find yourself with a property damage claim, it will be easier to ensure your claim is quickly and adequately paid and accepted by the insurance company:

1. Pressure clean your roof

   Pressure washing does more than just maintain the aesthetics of your property. It can actually help prevent damage to the roof by removing twigs, leaves, and other sediment that can cause mold, moss, or algae to grow. These sediments slowly eat away at the tile of the roof, or worse, can root into the tiles of the roof causing additional and more severe damage.

2. Leak testing your pipes

   Pipes can decay overtime, resulting in a risk of a flood to your property when they finally break, or result in higher water bills in the meantime. Visible pipes should be inspected for damage or decay and regular maintenance should be done to plumbing systems.

3. Clean gutters of debris and leaves

   Ensuring gutters are clear of debris and leaves can ensure they are working properly, helping to protect your roof. Clogged gutters can result in roof leaks overtime, resulting in damage to property that may be denied by your insurance company.

If your claim has been denied as a result of inadequate maintenance, contact the Law Offices of Rina Feld today.

This article is not intended to be legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship.