When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to drop, homeowners should think about more than pumpkin spice and football. Fall is the ideal time to prep your home for winter and prevent costly insurance claims. A few proactive maintenance steps can protect your property, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
Let’s break down some easy things you can do this fall to stay warm, dry, and claim-free.
1. Clean Those Gutters Like a Pro
Fallen leaves love clogging gutters—it’s their favorite fall hangout. The problem? Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, pool near your foundation, and eventually lead to basement leaks or even ice dams.
Scoop out the leaves, flush the downspouts, and make sure water flows at least 3–4 feet away from your home.
Bonus tip: Gutter guards might be worth the investment if your home is surrounded by trees.
2. Inspect Your Roof Before the Snow Does
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Look for missing or cracked shingles, soft spots, and damaged flashing. A small repair now beats an emergency claim later.
Pro move: hire a roofer for a quick inspection—they’ll spot problems before you do, and it’s usually affordable.
3. Tune Up the Furnace and Clean the Chimney
Before you turn your home into a cozy winter lodge, make sure your heating system is safe. Dirty furnaces and chimneys can cause fires or carbon monoxide leaks—two of the most serious (and preventable) insurance claims.
✅ Replace filters, test smoke and CO detectors, and have your chimney cleaned if you’ve used it regularly.
4. Drain Exterior Water Lines and Hoses
Frozen pipes = expensive mess. Before the first freeze, disconnect your hoses and drain outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems. If you can, shut off the water to outdoor faucets entirely.
A $5 foam faucet cover can prevent a $5,000 claim.
5. Trim Trees and Check the Yard
Branches get heavy with snow and ice—and gravity wins every time. Trim limbs that hang near your home, power lines, or driveway.
While you’re at it, rake up leaves and clear drains so melting snow has somewhere to go.
6. Seal Drafts and Gaps
Cold air sneaks in, warm air sneaks out, and moisture finds its way in too.
Use caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors. You’ll save on heating bills and prevent water damage or mold buildup.
7. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Even the best home maintenance can’t stop Mother Nature from doing her thing. Take a few minutes to review your policy—especially coverage for water backup, wind, and service line damage.
If you’re unsure what’s covered (or not), that’s where we come in.
The Bottom Line
A weekend of fall prep can save you thousands in repairs and headaches this winter.
If you’d like help reviewing your homeowners insurance before the snow hits, our team at Customers First Insurance Group is here to help.
Call 586-221-6870 or Request a Quote to make sure your home—and your budget—are protected this season.