Page 43 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2019

Winter is coming:
Is your home ready?
Winters seem to be increasingly harsh. If you want to avoid costly home repairs, make sure that your home is ready for the season. Here’s a checklist of things to get done before winter sets in.
1. Check Your Gutters and Drainage
With winter comes increased rainfall, so you want to be ready. While cleaning out the gutters isn’t a fun job, it can save you money in the long run. Well-maintained gutters can reduce the need to replace them and the chance of roof damage.
A clogged gutter can overflow and break, putting a strain on the roof itself. It also can fill with ice, which will cause thawing damage and strains the guttering.
Scoop out the dirt with a small shovel. Flush out the gutters with a hose for a full clean.
Once clean, give a check for any other signs of drainage issues.
Each issue, we’ll break down an insurance topic – and what it means for you – with answers from Ed Conley, CPIA and Director of Insurance Sales and Financial Services at AAA. Have a question for Ed? Drop us a line at AAA.com/AskEd.
In this edition of AAA Magazine, we share a story about the devastation of the EF-3 tornado and the impact it had on the residents of Celina. Cleaning up after a total loss can create a lot of questions regarding insurance and is an excellent reminder to all of us that now is the time to make sure we have the correct coverage.
What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value? Which one should I have?
When possible, you’re always going to want to have replacement cost coverage. This will replace your items at the cost of purchasing
them new. Actual cash value will only compensate you for the value of the items, minus depreciation. Essentially, the value it would have been sold at a garage sale. Many times, especially for your contents, replacement cost coverage must be added to the
Check your basement for water damage stains and your attic for mildew. Both mildew and water damage indicate that your drainage system isn’t taking the water far away enough from your house, particularly in older homes.
2. Test Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps act as the last line of defense against condensation buildup, floods, and water from drains. Test the pump before winter hits. You want to make sure it works; otherwise, you could end up with a flooded basement and foundation damage.
Once you locate the exit pipe, check it for any dirt and debris. If there are any clogs, remove them. Make sure that the water is being directed well away from your home’s foundation.
If you have a dual cord pump, both cords should be
Continued on page 42
policy; even when it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend adding replacement cost coverage.
How often should I adjust my insurance to make sure it’s up to date?
If you’ve had your home insurance policy for a few years and have not adjusted your coverages, they are likely incorrect. For the structure of your
home, many companies apply something called “inflation guard” every year, which increases your coverage to keep pace with the rising cost of materials and labor. Sometimes that change is adequate, and other times it’s too high
or too low. This is something you’ll want to spend some time reviewing with your agent. In addition, any significant changes to your home or items that add more risk, like pools, trampolines and dogs, should be discussed with your agent. A good rule of thumb is to review your policy every 12-18 months.
Ask the Expert: Ed Conley
Continued on page 40
TIP: In the event of a disaster, it’s nearly impossible to remember all of the contents you’ve lost. Create a home inventory by recording a video of your belongings, taking time to look in drawers and closets. Make sure to store the video in a safe location, preferably online – you’ll never fully understand the value of this video until you need it.
NOVEMBER 2019 | 41