End-Of-Summer Insurance Checklist: 7 Things to Review Before Fall

As summer here in the Utica/Rome area winds down and cooler weather approaches, most homeowners start thinking about putting away patio furniture, closing the pool, and preparing the house for fall. But there’s another seasonal task worth adding to your list: reviewing your insurance.

Summer activities, purchases, home improvements, and changes within your family can affect your coverage. Before fall arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your insurance still fits your needs.

1. Check Your Homeowners Coverage

Did you make improvements to your home this summer? A new deck, remodeled kitchen, finished basement, swimming pool, shed, or other project could affect the amount of insurance you need.

Construction and material costs also change over time. Talk with your insurance agent about whether your dwelling coverage provides an appropriate amount to rebuild your home following a covered loss.

2. Look for Summer Storm Damage

Thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and heavy rain can take a toll on your property. Before leaves and eventually snow make inspections more difficult, walk around your home and look for missing or damaged shingles, loose siding, clogged or damaged gutters, and weakened tree limbs.

Addressing small problems now could help prevent a much larger loss later.

3. Review Your Auto Insurance

Summer often means changes in driving habits. Perhaps you purchased a new vehicle, added a teenage driver, or have a child heading off to college.

Make sure all vehicles and drivers are properly listed and review your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It’s also a good time to ask about available discounts or whether bundling your home and auto insurance could provide savings.

4. Don’t Forget Recreational Vehicles

If you enjoyed your boat, motorcycle, ATV, camper, or RV this summer, think about what happens when you put it into storage.

Don’t automatically cancel insurance because the vehicle won’t be used for several months. Depending on your policy, coverage may provide valuable protection against risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage while the vehicle is stored. Ask one of our personal lines account managers about the best approach for your situation.

5. Update Your Home Inventory

Did summer bring new television, computer, jewelry, sporting equipment, furniture, or other expensive purchases?

Add them to your home inventory and keep photographs, serial numbers, receipts, and other documentation in a safe place. Certain high-value belongings may have coverage limitations under a standard homeowners policy, so ask us whether additional coverage is appropriate.

6. Review Your Liability Protection

Summer entertaining can be a reminder of how easily accidents happen. A guest can slip on a walkway, a dog can bite someone, or a serious accident can occur behind the wheel.

Review the liability limits on your homeowners and auto policies. If you have significant assets or simply want additional protection, ask about personal umbrella insurance, which can provide liability coverage above the limits of underlying policies, subject to policy terms.

7. Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter

Finally, use the end of summer to get ahead of cold-weather risks. Clean gutters, inspect the roof, service your heating system, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and address tree limbs that could fall during a storm.

Preventive maintenance may reduce the chances of costly damage once winter weather arrives.

Make a Seasonal Insurance Review with Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. Part of Your Routine

Your insurance needs can change from one season to the next, sometimes without you realizing it. An end-of-summer review is an easy opportunity to identify coverage gaps, update your policies, and prepare for the months ahead.

Contact one of our personal lines account managers for a seasonal insurance review. A short conversation today can help make sure you’re ready for whatever fall—and the coming winter—may bring.

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.