Taking care of your home ensures the safety of all the people who live in it, but it’s also fundamental from an insurance perspective. How you look after your home, and the maintenance that you perform, can have direct and serious repercussions on your insurance claims.

“While your insurance should cover sudden and unexpected damage to your property, it won’t normally pay out for damages that are caused by gradual deterioration due to lack of maintenance,” says Peter Olyott, CEO at Indwe Risk Services. As a homeowner you can mitigate your risk of having your insurance claim rejected with these household checks:

INSPECT THE ROOF:

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, as it protects the structure of your house and everything inside. It’s essential that you regularly look for cracked, broken and worn material. Missing or chipped tiles should be replaced, thatch needs to be repaired, and screws in corrugated iron must still have a waterproof seal. “Look for mould and for areas where water pools, as water leaking through your roof can cause extensive and expensive damage,” recommends Olyott.

GET IN THE GUTTERS: 

When gutters fill up with debris, these blockages impede the flow of water and this may cause leaks and subsequent water damage. Keep gutters clean especially during autumn – when more leaves are falling – and in the rainy season. It’s vital to check that any water is effectively draining away from your home.

PUT PLUMBING TO THE TEST: 

Water from leaking pipes and taps can go unnoticed for a significant length of time, leading to substantial damage. Visually inspect your pipes in the kitchen and bathroom looking for leaks, and make sure your toilet is working correctly. Include geyser maintenance in your plumbing check and you could reduce the risk of your geyser bursting or overflowing.

IT’S ALL IN THE WIRING:

Faulty wiring can lead to fires, which is why it’s fundamental that you inspect your electrical outlets and resolve any problems immediately. Prevent electrical faults by maintaining the wiring in your home.

As a homeowner it is essential to keep your house in a good condition. Failure to take care of smaller, routine jobs means you run the risk of paying more than repair costs in the long run, if your insurance claim is rejected.

Article credit: http://insurancegateway.co.za/ShorttermConsumers/PressRoom/ViewPress/Irn=13666&URL=Is+your+home+an+insurance+risk#.V71kJTUTfek