Austin Home Insurance: Reducing Seasonal Liability Risks

Every season brings with it a unique weather pattern, an interesting affect on plant life, and liabilities that leave homeowners at risk for expensive property and injury claims. Let’s take a look at each season and the unique risks homeowners need to look out for.

Winter

In the winter, homeowners face frozen, icy driveways and walkways that create the perfect area for a neighbor to slip and fall.  Also during the winter snow can pile up on your favorite trees, the risk of falling branches injuring a visitor or a neighbor’s personal property increases. In order to reduce these risks, make sure you keep your driveway and walkway clear of snow and ice and you regularly shake your tree limbs to prevent snow from multiple storms from building up on the branches.

Spring

In the spring, as your grass, shrubs and flowers begin once again to bloom; you may find that you need the assistance of a lawn care company to get your yard into shape after the difficult winter season. When you hire a company to take care of your lawn on a one-time or recurring basis, make sure they have the proper Austin home insurance policies and licensing required for your area. Before they come to your home, check around your yard and remove any potential dangers including loose rocks or walkway stones.

Summer

Summer is the perfect time for pool parties and barbeques, but it’s also the time for risky poolside behavior and the liabilities that accompany it.  Make sure you have fencing around your pool to help prevent accidents and be sure to keep children away from the grill or smoker. Finally, make sure you don’t leave any flames or fires unattended.

Fall

With its orange leaves and cooler days, fall seems like the perfect season to many. But leaving fallen leaves on your sidewalk creates a slippery and dangerous surface that could result in a liability claim against your insurance policy. Make sure you keep your driveway and walkway clear of leaves by raking or blowing them regularly.

You should be able to enjoy your home year-round, and while each season has opportunities for liability that you need to be aware of—you can also work out a means to reducing those liabilities and the expenses that follow.

Contact Contractors Insurance Services to discuss insurance coverage at 512-518-6292 or fill out an online Austin homeowners insurance quote.