For advisers, talking to clients about the steps they need to take to prepare themselves for the changing weather can help homeowners protect themselves from any seasonal damage.
Staying on top of home maintenance
Making clients aware of their responsibility to keep their properties well-maintained is vital, as most buildings insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by maintenance issues or wear and tear. For example, water damage arising from leaks due to loose roof tiles, or damp in the home caused by blocked gutters, will not be covered if the homeowner has neglected these areas.
With autumn weather notoriously windy and rainy, homeowners should also ensure that window frames, particularly old ones, are firmly fixed with no gaps to let any water in, as this will also help to protect against any damage.
But it’s not just leaks that homeowners need to be looking out for. In colder climes, we all want to come back to a warm and draught-free home. Checking the loft insulation and making sure that doors are in good condition and have toughened glass can help achieve an energy-efficient home.
Finally, ensuring the boiler is in good working order and has been serviced recently will give homeowners greater peace of mind. It may not be time to turn on the heating yet, but no-one wants to be caught in the middle of winter with a broken boiler.
Keeping home security front of mind
Along with the need for additional maintenance, winter nights are also associated with an increased opportunity for thieves. With many people trying to escape the chillier climate for some winter sun, it’s not uncommon for houses to be left empty for a week or two. It’s therefore a good idea to advise clients to ask their friends to keep an eye on their property whilst they’re away, and also to install timing devices that switch interior lights on and off at predetermined intervals.
Enhanced security measures such as high-spec locks and alarm systems can help too. However, despite all this, the unexpected can happen, so advisers need to ensure clients are aware of exactly what their home insurance policy covers – and what it doesn’t – so that there are no nasty surprises.
Preparing for the weather
With the unpredictable British weather and a number of severe storms over the past year, advisers should also take steps to inform their clients of the consequences of ¬flooding, as well as the preventative measures they can take to help avoid severe damage to their property and belongings. From using sandbags to having fl¬ood equipment such as removable covers for doors, windows, vents and airbricks, homeowners should aim to cover all vulnerable points where water can get into the home. Even with these precautions, however, disaster can still strike, so it’s vital that clients also have the right insurance in place to cover damage caused by weather events like these.
Having the right cover
As an adviser, it is part of your duty of care to ensure that your clients are fully protected for any eventuality, and this means regularly prompting them to consider what type and level of cover they need. Asking simple questions such as the estimated value of the contents of their home, and whether they have any single high-value items, can go a long way towards ensuring they are adequately protected as the days become warmer and the nights get longer.
Homeowners often underestimate the value and peace of mind that insurance can bring. Advisers are in a unique position to tackle this issue and ensure that clients are properly protected. By having open conversations with your clients, you’ll be able to provide a holistic service that delivers the best insurance solutions for their individual needs.
