The severity and frequency of extreme weather such as ice storms, floods, droughts, wildfires and landslides are continuing to rise. If you’re a homeowner, this should probably be a cause for concern because extreme weather can damage your home.
While extreme weather isn’t avoidable, it is possible to help protect your home through preventative maintenance and insurance protection. You can take advantage of programs like Aviva’s Weather Assure which allow you to upgrade to weather-resistant materials after your home is damaged by a weather event. This will make your home more resilient for the next storm.
Why Upkeep Matters with Home Insurance
Your home insurance is not a “home maintenance” payment plan. It’s there to help you deal with sudden and catastrophic damage and loss, not for everyday upkeep. Though some natural hazards can’t be avoided, a lot of damage can be prevented through proper home maintenance. That’s why your home insurance won’t cover anything that should be covered by regular maintenance such as cracks in your foundation or a roof in bad condition.
Not sure what to do? We have an article that gives an overview of what you should be doing throughout the year. Here’s a quick overview:
- Visually inspect the exterior of your home several times a year – pay special attention to the siding, roof and foundation – if you see damage get it repaired!
- Clean out your gutters regularly and make sure they’re draining away from your home.
- Address any drainage issues through grading drainage systems or installation of equipment such as sump pumps.
- Check weather stripping around doors and windows and replace if needed.
- Clean up the yard from leaves and other debris.
- Check and clean exhaust vents.
Remember that general upkeep is required to ensure your home insurance remains valid.
Aviva Weather Assure
While home insurance will help you pay to rebuild after many types of extreme weather events, there’s another level of protection you can receive. Aviva’s Weather Assure add-on for their home insurance clients can upgrade their siding and roofing to more weather-resistant materials if you have a covered claim.
For example, let’s say there was a big hail storm and your home’s vinyl siding was badly damaged and your asphalt shingle roof also got beaten pretty badly. You’d be covered for repairs on your home insurance policy, but if you have the weather assure endorsement you can receive some funds to upgrade your siding and roofing materials to more weather-resistant materials.
Speak to your broker if this coverage interests you or to find out more information.