One of the most nerve racking events of a person's life is filing a claim with their insurance company. Besides the fact that it normally follows a stressful event, it also can be a long ordeal in which you feel more like a victim than a customer. For this reason, no one ever wants to put in a claim with their insurance carrier. So how do you lower your chances of ever having to make that dreaded call? You do it by lowering your risk factor.
In the world of insurance, risk is what determines your chances of having or not having an accident. These accidents - household falls, car crashes, fires - are what make people file claims. As a result, it's important to know how to improve your odds (risk) of not being in one. You can easily achieve a lower risk factor by following a few rules.
Before your cringe, remember that rules are a part of everyday life. Without them, the world would be filled with chaos. So here are a few ones that will help you keep a little less chaos in your current world and help you keep your insurance rates low.
Leash up all pets when neighbors and far away relatives visit:
I know your dog has never attacked anyone. Yet, if a small child pulls on its tail or threatens its territory, your dog may attack. As a result, keep a dog on a leash when company comes over. It'll ensure your visitor and your assets safety.
Keep your home in good repair:
Lose floor boards, wobbly furniture, slippery rugs are invitations for a good fall. Since you live in your home, you know how to avoid the danger spots, but a neighbor or visiting family member may not. If they end up hurting themselves, the cost of the medical bills alone may force them to sue you. For this reason, you should keep your home in good repair. If you don't know how to fix something, call a repair man. After all, the cost of good one will be small compared to the cost of paying a claim.
Follow the rules of the road:
Speeding is one of the most common rules of the road that most Americans break. Why? We are always in a rush. However, it's always easier to be a little late than call your insurance agent to make an at-fault claim.
Prune all trees:
One of the most common homeowners claim is a charge that a tree fell into a neighbor's yard and damaged a fence or roof. If a strong wind causes it, you may be blameless. However, if a rotten tree falls, your insurance may have to pay if it's proven that is rotten due to poor maintenance. As a result, cut down and dispose of all dead trees. Then pare back your healthy trees in order to ensure all limbs stay in tact. Keeping your yard in good shape will do more than raise property values.
Secure your property:
Thieves always look for an easy mark. When targeting a victim they'll look for an open window or unlocked door. For this reason, it's important to use the locks on your home and car when left unattended. For extra safety, add in specialized alarms that will scare a thief away. They will act as an extra deterrent and help you avoid paying a deductible.
Keep your car in proper repair:
Faulty brakes lead to collisions. Shoddy engines catch on fire. Slick tires can take you into a ditch. What am I saying? Pay the money to fix whatever is wrong with your car before getting back on the road. If you don't, you are an accident waiting to happen.
Avoid buying property in high risk areas:
If you know the property you're about to buy is in a fire or flood prone area, think twice. Is it worth the stress associated with making a claim and rebuilding it? If the answer is "no", then look elsewhere. Understand that beauty is everywhere and you can find a home just as good in a low-risk area of town.
In conclusion, filing a claim can be stressful. As a result, you want to avoid doing it if possible. Follow a few rules, lower your risk and make less calls to your insurance company.
