Fall Home Maintenance & Insurance: Does Your Coverage Match Your Needs?

As autumn arrives in Connecticut, homeowners are busy preparing their properties for colder weather. But while you’re raking leaves and cleaning gutters, it’s just as important to review your homeowners insurance policy. Is your coverage keeping pace with your home’s needs? As a leading homeowners insurance agency in Newington, CT, D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency is here to help you protect your investment—inside and out.

Fall is the ideal time to tackle essential maintenance tasks that safeguard your home against winter’s challenges. Proactive upkeep can prevent costly repairs, reduce risks, and even impact your insurance claims process. Here’s what every Connecticut homeowner should prioritize:

• Roof Inspection: Check for missing shingles, leaks, or damage. Addressing issues now prevents water intrusion and ice dams during winter.
• Gutter Cleaning: Remove leaves and debris to avoid water damage, foundation issues, and ice dams.
• Chimney & Fireplace Maintenance: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Insulation & Weatherproofing: Inspect insulation in attics and crawl spaces, and seal gaps around doors and windows to improve energy efficiency.
• Heating System Check: Service your furnace or HVAC system to ensure safe, efficient operation throughout the season.

Many homeowners don’t realize that neglected maintenance can impact insurance claims. For example, if water damage occurs due to clogged gutters or a leaky roof that wasn’t repaired, your insurer may deny the claim on the grounds of lack of upkeep. Regular maintenance demonstrates responsible homeownership and can help ensure your policy responds when you need it most.

As the homeowners insurance agency Newington, CT residents trust, we recommend reviewing your policy every fall. Consider these questions:

• Have you made recent upgrades or renovations? Update your coverage to reflect increased home value.
• Are you protected against common fall and winter risks? Ensure your policy covers water damage, roof collapse from snow, and liability for slips and falls.
• Do you have adequate personal property coverage? Take inventory of your belongings and adjust limits if needed.
• Is your deductible still appropriate? A higher deductible can lower premiums but may increase out-of-pocket costs after a loss.

• Schedule an annual policy review with your agent.
• Document maintenance and repairs with photos and receipts.
• Ask about discounts for safety upgrades, such as smoke detectors or storm-resistant roofing.

D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency is committed to helping you safeguard your home year-round. By combining diligent fall maintenance with the right insurance coverage, you can face the winter months with confidence.

Ready for a personalized coverage review? Contact your local homeowners insurance agency in Newington, CT today and ensure your policy matches your needs—before the first snow falls.

D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency: Your partner in protection, every season.