Top 10 states for home claims due to hail
Spring can't come soon enough for many across the United States. An extreme weather-ridden 2017 has come and gone, but 2018's outlook is still underway. Just as the weather will soon transition, homeowners should prepare for the coming of spring. To help, Farmers Insurance released its latest Seasonal Smarts Digest — a digest filled with tips for homeowners and drivers for each season. The digest uses the past five years' worth of actual claims from homes around the country to highlight some of spring's common risks and provide suggestions to help homeowners so they can reduce their risk. Related: Top 10 states for auto hail damage claims
Top hazards
- Hail: 38% of claims occur in the spring months.
- Wind: 20% of claims occur in the spring months.
- Water: 17% of claims occur in the spring months.
Tips for each hazard
Hail. If a big storm busts through one of your windows, a fully extended curtain, shade, blind or drape can help to limit the area covered by shattering glass. Hire a roofer for inspection and repair — and consider investing in impact-resistant shingles. Wind. If heavy wind is in the forecast, bring small or lightweight items like plants inside. Secure larger items and take an inventory of your possessions. If you have storm shutters, use them! If you don't, consider protecting your windows with plywood panels. Water. If you live in an area prone to temperature changes in the spring, clearing out the gutters can reduce the risk of overflow and ice dams. Check your foundation for exposure to rainwater and potential seepage, including cracks and worn floor slabs, and water seal your basement to prevent seepage. Additionally, make sure your soil grade allows water to drain away from your home, and whenever possible, remove snow near your exterior foundation before it has a chance to melt. Related: Americans' flood risk is far greater than previously thought, study finds With information about what to expect in spring and tips to prepare for them, can you guess which state receives the most hail damages claims?
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