Smart Savings: Expert Home Insurance Tips With Industry Leader Daniel Owen
Prepping finances for weather events and aligning your money decisions can maximize savings and avert losses. With record-breaking heat waves becoming the norm, homeowners face challenges with rising energy costs and potential property damage. From higher air conditioning bills to the strain on roofing, the cost of extreme temperatures is undeniable. But did you know some preventative measures can help mitigate some of these costs?
To better understand how to safeguard your home and your wallet, I spoke with Daniel Owen, Owner & Producer for Owen & Associates Insurance Agency, LLC, who shared strategies and practical tips on how to lower expenses and protect your property. In my conversation with Owen, we delved into practical steps homeowners can take to reduce costs and protect their homes.
“One of the most effective ways to mitigate costs is by focusing on preventative maintenance,” Owen explains.
We all know houses will not last forever, especially if not cared for regularly. Assuring your home has proper upkeep, such as reinforcing or replacing roofs in a timely manner can minimize damage caused by heavy rains, high winds, and intense temperatures. Home insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen weather-related events, not as a substitute for proper upkeep of a house and property. What are some trends with home insurance and weather systems, and how can we do our part while saving money? Here are some of the insightful things Owen taught me.
Unexpected weather happens, and being proactive in caring for your property can lessen damage.
“The roof is key,” Owen informs. “Roofs have a life span and when they reach a certain age it’s time to consider replacing them.”
Most insurance companies will only pay for the depreciated roof value after a certain age with some insurance companies transitioning to a percentage deductible instead of a set amount. He suggests checking your roof shingles for any upward curling or cracking. If you see any problems, call a professional to inspect the roof before more damage ensues. Owen recommends cutting any branches that hang over your home to reduce any algae growth. If you have been outside this summer, you feel the insane humidity. The combination of heat and humidity can exasperate algae growth due to the overhanging tree limbs. I was lucky enough to learn about ‘salt washes’ during our conversation. Salt washes help kill the algae while keeping the integrity of the shingles and could extend the life of your roof.
If your property has an abundance of trees, make sure they are healthy. Trees can appear fine on the outside but be sick on the inside. Owen suggests contacting an arborist to inspect the health of your trees. Trees are valuable and need to be cared for and healthy. Being a lover of trees and saving money, I am keen on this idea.
Another suggestion from our expert to help with savings is to check your weather stripping around the house, doors, and windows. Checking quarterly and repairing any cracked or old weather stripping can save on energy bills and help with excess energy usage and the associated costs. Checking gutters after rain to see if they are flowing properly and clearing clogged areas can help alleviate mold or structural damage.
Simple actions, such as checking the outside of the house, trimming trees away from over the roof, and ensuring proper maintenance can go a long way in preventing weather-related damage. Well-maintained homes are more resilient to leaks, structural damage, flooding, and reducing the need for costly repairs or insurance claims. Proactive maintenance is the key to minimizing long-term costs and ensuring a secure home environment.
About Owen & Associates Insurance Agency, LLC: Owen & Associates has been serving the metro Atlanta area since 1921. We are an Independent Insurance agency in Marietta. We pride ourselves on being able to offer personal customer service and establishing long term relationships with our clients. Learn more at: oains.com
