There’s a lot to love about the winter season. Whether it’s tacky office sweater parties, enjoying good homemade food, or just spending quiet moments with the ones you love, there’s always something to look forward to. However, if you don’t already have house insurance (or it’s not on your list of things to do), you might want to start that search before the season progresses any farther. No winter holiday is complete without a good home insurance policy, and here are ten reasons why.
1. When Moonlight Rests on New-Fallen – and Heavy – Snow
It just doesn’t quite feel like the holiday season without fat, fluffy snowflakes drifting down outside the window, but when they stack up, heavy snow can cause damage to your home. Insurance covers most of these damages, which means your holiday won’t be interrupted by extra expenses. You should still keep your rooftops clear to avoid the need to make a claim in the first place (plus, the reindeer will need somewhere to land).
2. Enjoy Candlelit Evenings (Despite a Power Outage)
It’s part and parcel of winter storms that, eventually, an icy branch will catch a power line, and you’ll need to rely on candles for at least an hour or two. Most of us remember the 2003 blackout that left over 50 million people without power. Fortunately, we’ve not experienced another blackout of that magnitude, but even smaller outages still have an impact on those they affect, such as food spoilage. This is where good house insurance comes in: some policies will compensate you for food that goes bad while the power is down.
3. Snowbirds Come Home to a Safe Nest
If you’re fond of flying south for the winter, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your house for your absence. Aside from turning off the water and draining the pipes, you should also arrange for someone to pop in for a few minutes each day to make sure the heating system is still functional. Your house insurance policy will have its own unique stipulations, but this precaution helps make it more likely that, if damage occurs during your absence, you’ll still be covered.
4. If the Christmas Tree Next to Your House Topples
If a live pine tree (or any other kind of tree) is knocked over in a winter storm, your house insurance will help you get the damages repaired with little to no cost to you. Do remember that insurance policies may not cover damages caused by dead trees, so you’ll want to make sure you address and remove any of those on your property.
5. If Your Holiday Happens in a Hotel
There’s never a good time for house disasters, but if something happens during the holidays and you and your family have to stay at a hotel while repairs take place, your home insurance policy could cover your living expenses during that time.
6. When Your Sled Goes Faster Than Expected
Clark Griswold’s sled only narrowly missed a tree, but if you happen to collide with another person while you’re out skiing (or testing a new non-caloric silicon-based kitchen lubricant your company’s been working on), your house insurance could provide liability coverage. Make sure to ask your insurance broker about the specific details of your policy.
7. When Ice (or Relatives) Puts Extra Pressure on Your Sewage System
Typically, a bit of antifreeze will help put an end to any ice buildup before it starts, but if you want to make extra sure that you’re covered in the event of a sewer back-up, you can add on to your house insurance policy to include that provision.
8. If Thieves Make Off with Christmas Gifts
Not all of us have home defenses as sophisticated as Kevin McCallister’s. If gifts (or anything else) are stolen from your home or vehicle, house insurance usually covers their replacement. This means that your holiday doesn’t have to vanish due to someone else’s Grinch spirit.
9. When Your Sidewalk Becomes an Ice Rink
Even the most vigilant salt machines can’t predict every sudden thaw and ice storm. When that happens, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to keep your property safe for passerby. In the event that someone gets to your icy sidewalk before you do, a good home insurance policy will provide liability coverage.
10. If Roasting Chestnuts Catch Fire
A roaring fireplace is a staple of any cozy night, but if an ember catches or another accident occurs, house insurance will cover the damage. This includes any furniture or gifts that get caught in the blaze, so you won’t need to worry about replacement costs.
House insurance isn’t just about preparing for the holidays – it makes sure that you’re covered from the unexpected all year long. At Will Marshall, we’ve been providing home insurance to Barrie and Orillia for 30 years. We’ve got the experience, the passion, and the team to help you determine the best house insurance for your home.
Give us a call at (705) 726-2551, or request a free policy quote online. We’ll be standing by to help!