Utah also a part of the Midwest country is known for the above ground threats posed by the blizzards and hurricanes. Unpredictable as they are, it makes a lot of sense to be prepared for any eventuality. What better way than to insure something that you value the most: your home.
Of the claims that are filed the maximum is for water damage, mold and freezing. Nearly 22% of homeowners in Utah, filed claims totaling an estimated $25.6 billion in 2002 and this included damage costs from hurricanes and blizzards and water damage claims which started due to an untended simple leak or drip.
Preventing water damage
The department of insurance, Utah advised people not to wait till they were submerged in water to take steps to protect their homes from damage caused by broken pipes or leaking appliances. In order to reduce the effect of such damage routine maintenance checkups should be undertaken and assistance from qualified contractors sought to avoid major construction.
Preventing Mold
Some of the side effects of water can be damage from mold, like rust, rot and mildew. These are specifically excluded in the standard homeowners policy. Many insurance companies do pay to clean up and repair damage incurred as a result of a covered peril but this has to be "sudden and accidental." For instance, all expenses incurred in cleaning up water from a burst pipe is paid for by the insurance company because under the homeowners policy water damage from a burst pipe is a covered peril.
Mold is caused by water. A result of excessive humidity, leaks, condensation or flooding it is often a maintenance issue for the homeowner, and is not a peril that is covered by the policy. Routine and regular clean up operations must be undertaken to eradicate mold before it grows large enough to become a hazard. Caught early, mold usually can be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water.
Water Damage Prevention Tools
Install water leak detection systems, which can help prevent a leak before it turns into a deluge.
Water alarms are systems that are typically run on battery, and are stand-alone units. They are inexpensive and easy to install with a moisture sensor on the device, which will activate an audible alarm on sensing dampness. Water alarms range in cost from $8 to $45 and must be installed in high-risk areas like under sinks for instance to be able to detect leaks. Note that this device is only beneficial if someone is inside the home, hears the alarm, and takes action to stop the leak.
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