Avoid Last Year’s Most Frequent Insurance Claims With These Tips
April 18, 2023
Your insurance is a financial safety net, there to help you recover from costly incidents, such as automotive accidents, theft and home damage and other events that could disrupt your life. Insurance also helps to protect the things you care about the most — your loved ones and valued belongings alike. Some of the incidents that give rise to insurance claims, however, can be avoided through caution and careful planning.
Review our list of some of the most frequent insurance claims of 2022 to learn how to reduce your risk for these common claims this year.
Windshield Damage
A car windshield plays a vital role in the health and safety of all occupants. Windshields provide a clear view of the road necessary for driving safely, and front airbags rely on fully-functioning windshields to keep passengers safe during a collision. If your windshield weakens due to cracks or damage, your airbag could cause the window to explode.
Follow these best practices to address windshield damage before it becomes a significant issue:
- Take immediate action – It might just be a small crack or chip now, but road conditions, such as potholes and uneven paving will cause them to spread and grow. Additionally, some states make driving a car with a cracked windshield illegal, leaving you open to fines if you don’t address the damage promptly.
- Evaluate your options – Depending on the type and extent of windshield damage and your insurance, you might have several options to consider.
- Check your insurance coverage – Depending on the cause of the windshield damage — such as roadway debris, hitting a deer or a car crash — your car insurance policy might cover the repair or replacement cost. Once you’ve determined whether the damage is covered, file a claim as soon as possible. Remember to file your claim before any repairs occur.
- Professional repair –Many insurance carriers will cover windshield repair or replacement, depending on the cause of the damage and the type of insurance you hold. A professional inspection will ensure you get the best service you need, whether a repair or a complete replacement. Many auto glass providers now have mobile or drop-off services, making this a convenient option.
- DIY repair - Most big-box stores carry windshield repair kits in their automotive departments. Measure the crack or chip before purchasing a kit. Read the instructions carefully to ensure this is a safe solution. If the damage is too extensive, you must get it professionally repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Damage
The number of car accidents and auto damage claims increased in 2022 as the public’s driving patterns slowly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Avoid costly and disruptive car accidents — and improve your overall driving safety — by following these tips:
- Buckle up – One of the most common pieces of driving advice, and the most important — properly securing your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt while driving can protect your life in the event of a motor vehicle crash. Ensure that your passengers wear seatbelts, no matter where they are seated in the car.
- Slow down and drive according to road conditions – If you live in an area that regularly gets snow, rain or other inclement weather, it can be challenging to control or stop your vehicle. When navigating on slick roads, drive slowly and give other drivers space ahead of you to ensure you have time to react to a sudden stop or slide.
- Never drive impaired – Any amount of alcohol or drugs will affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) are serious crimes with penalties including loss of license, fines and possible jail time. Use your best judgment before drinking and arrange for a designated driver or rideshare service to keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Be attentive and defensive – Avoid crashes and lower your risk behind the wheel by focusing only on driving — instead of common distractions, such as your phone or the radio. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings allows you to react quickly to potential hazards, such as if a car suddenly changes lanes or breaks in front of you.
Home Water Damage
Water damage in your home is a complex and expensive issue to resolve. Any surface affected — hardwood floors, carpets or drywall — can become a breeding ground for harmful mold, necessitating costly and time-consuming remediation. Protect your home, your valued belongings and your health with these simple steps:
- Know where your water supply shut-off is – Stopping water from flowing into your home is your first step to addressing water damage. Knowing how and where to turn off your home’s water supply can make all the difference between dealing with a puddle or a flood.
- Proactively check for leaks – Appliances, sinks and water heaters are all common sources of leaks. Use a water leak detection device to avoid even minor leaks before they become an expensive headache. Some smart water leak detectors can notify your phone or automatically shut off your water supply in case of a leak. Additionally, Gallagher clients receive 20% off their purchase of a StreamLabs Control or Monitor. Visit gallagherperks.com/streamlabs to find out how.
- Insulate your pipes – If your water pipes are not adequately insulated, severe winter weather events can cause the water inside to freeze, leading to burst pipes. Examine the pipes in unheated areas of your home — such as attics, unfinished basements and garages — to determine if you’re missing any necessary insulation. Self-sealing foam insulation fittings and kits can be purchased at most major hardware stores. If you live in an area that experiences severe sub-zero temperatures, pipe heat cables can keep your water pipes flowing down to -40°F.
Theft and Damage of Valuables
Losing a beloved family heirloom or an important piece of fine jewelry to irreparable damage or thieves can be devastating. Without proper precautions, items you’ve spent considerable time and money collecting can be lost or irreparably damaged. Use these tips to protect your meaningful belongings and keep them out of the wrong hands:
- Install a home security system – A conspicuous home security system can deter thieves before they enter your home and alert you to an intrusion quickly, increasing your chances of recovering your items. Incorporating cameras into your security system will provide valuable evidence to authorities and ensure the insurance claim process goes smoothly.
- Keep photos and up-to-date appraisals of your items – Take a picture of each piece in your collection to accurately record its current condition alongside any recent appraisal documentation. These steps will assist with insurance claims if they are stolen or damaged.
- Properly store your jewelry and fine art – Jewelry and fine art can be damaged if kept in poor conditions, such as in direct sunlight or a damp basement. Preserve your expensive items by wrapping them in soft, breathable materials like a piece of felt or cleaning cloth for jewelry or a thick cotton blanket for artwork. Separate jewelry by its metals and stones to prevent tarnishing and scratches.
Insurance claims are a fact of life. With these helpful tips, you can help avoid the thefts, vehicle damage and home damage that made up some of 2022’s most frequent claims.