Why do people mainly associate homeowners’ insurance claims with cyclones, flooding or wildfires? Such disasters aren’t actually your biggest threat and there really isn’t much policyholders can do to prevent it.

Fortunately, most claimers face mishaps that are entirely avoidable. 

1. Cooking or candle fires

Fire devastation is a common reason for homeowners’ insurance claims. An open flame, or gas, is quite necessary for preparing food, and even warming and illuminating the home in our sunny Durban winters.

According to the Arrive Alive Association, the number one cause of home fire injuries is cooking equipment, followed by heating equipment and frayed electrical wires. 

In 2016, candles caused a large percentage of home fires, fire deaths, fire injuries and direct property damage. All of which are hugely unfortunate, but also avoidable. 

All fires should be monitored. An unwatched fire can spread rapidly and become a tragedy.

2. Cars not parked in a garage

 
Simple. Close your garage if and when your vehicle is parked inside. An open garage or a car sitting in the driveway or street gives a thief easy access to that car, and a remote to the garage left in a car is the golden ticket into the house. 

3. Dog-related injuries and bites

Believe it or not, but man’s best friend can be a big liability if he bites someone on your property or even on the street. We have regular dog-bite cases, and in the USA alone there are 4.5 million people bitten each year according to Avma. This results in a lot of costly homeowners’ insurance claims.

The best advice we can give you to protect yourself from this liability is prevent your dog from being aggressive. Maybe contact the SPCA if you find yourself constantly dealing with this issue.

4. Bath/shower grout and edge leaks

Over time, shower and bathtub grout or caulking can decay. Cracks can also develop, and the outcome is unpleasant. Water may leak into the walls and floors which result in horrible rotting wood and a bad smell. Check and maintain seals. You can also make sure that water in the bath or shower flows down the drain. Giving any wet area a wipe is necessary in maintaining the bathroom, and some contractors recommend resealing every year.