Three helpful tips to mitigate
problems
LOS
ANGELES, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The
value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national
spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and
financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making
sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster
strikes your home. In 2022 alone, the U.S. was struck by 18
separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in $171.5 billion in damage, according to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Thankfully, most Americans don't experience large-scale natural
catastrophes, but millions of homeowners do experience some kind of
property loss each year and need to make an insurance claim. The
most commonly reported homeowners insurance claims are actually the
result of events that can occur at any time, so it's important for
homeowners to be prepared for these potential risks.
Water damage claims are most common
"Water claims are the ones we see most often," says Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at
Mercury Insurance. "While certain perils are seasonal, water damage
can occur any time of year. It's important for homeowners to
conduct routine maintenance of appliance hoses and water pipes to
make sure there aren't cracks or leaks and, if any are detected,
have them repaired or replaced immediately.
"Another thing everyone can do to protect their homes from leaks
is turn off their main water supply when they're away for an
extended period of time. No one wants to return from a relaxing
vacation to find water running through their home."
Smart home technology also delivers an extra layer of protection
for homeowners by providing 24/7 monitoring to help detect water
pipe leaks. Professionally installed water pressure sensors, for
example, work with most smartphones and can, among other things,
automatically shut off the home's main water supply if a leak or
burst pipe is detected. And the best part is that insurance
companies like Mercury Insurance will often provide a discount for
homes that implement this technology.
Lee also notes that most homeowners insurance policies don't
cover flood damage caused by rising water from storms or
overflowing bodies of water, so she recommends homeowners consult
with their local insurance agent to learn how to protect against
these types of events.
Fire damage is a concern for homeowners
While water claims are the most common, fire damage is another
possible concern for homeowners and can be caused in several ways.
The National Fire Protection Association reports local fire
departments responded to 1,353,500 fires in 2021, resulting in
$15.9 billion in property damage. Lee
suggests controlling the things you can and mitigating against the
perils you can't.
"Most home fires happen when people are inattentive or
negligent. These fires are preventable if people don't leave things
like lit stoves, fireplaces, candles or portable heat sources
unattended. You should also refrain from overloading electrical
outlets and using appliances with frayed electrical cords," she
says. "These things seem like common sense, but it's amazing how
many claims we see that result from simply not paying
attention."
"Wildfires can be extremely scary and dangerous and there is
often little warning when they sweep through areas, leaving
homeowners little time to protect their homes. Most of this work
needs to be done before a fire erupts. Homeowners can mitigate
against this risk by keeping their yards free of dry brush, grass
clippings and twigs, keep tree branches trimmed and bushes pruned.
They should also make sure their roofs and gutters are cleared of
leaves and debris."
Theft can be costly
Theft doesn't necessarily pose a threat to the physical
structure of a home, but it too can be costly and it often leaves
homeowners feeling scared and violated.
Homeowners can help safeguard against theft by taking simple,
but often overlooked precautions like ensuring doors and windows
are locked, and not leaving spare keys in easy-to-find locations.
Several smart home devices can also aid in deterring potential
thieves by allowing homeowners to adjust lights, monitor security
cameras and activate security systems from their smartphones even
when they're away from home.
"Our claims team strives to get our customers back on their feet
after a loss. Our hope is that people never experience such an
event in the first place, but if they do we want them to know that
it is our goal to help them get their lives back to normal as
quickly as possible," adds Lee.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance
carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and
renters insurance through a network of independent agents in
Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New
Jersey, New York,
Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in
Florida. Mercury writes other
lines of insurance in various states, including commercial,
business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing,
ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value
for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with
excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from
A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company"
designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit
www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or
Facebook.
Contact: PCG – Shane Smith
(424) 903-3665 (ssmith@pacificcommunicationsgroup.com)
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SOURCE Mercury Insurance