APEGA Member Benefits workmark

Save more with your membership

Most common property insurance claims and how to prevent them

Some types of claims are beyond our control. But did you know that some losses can be prevented? Here are some of the most common causes of home insurance claims, and some proven tips that can help prevent them.

Bathroom Leaks

An overflowing tub, leaky toilet, or a shower that doesn’t drain properly, or even a slow leak all add up to water damage—the most costly type of damage to your home.

Prevention tips: Always be vigilant. Never let the bath run unattended, repair small leaks immediately and, if your bathroom is in the basement, make sure your appliances are protected by anti-backflow valves.

Leaking dishwasher or washing machine hoses

Hoses and pipes leak due to corrosion, a damaged fitting, or just wear and tear.

Prevention tips: Check the condition of the pipes regularly. Consider replacing them with metal-reinforced hoses. Avoid running the dishwasher and washing machine when you’re not at home.

Kitchen fires

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. Furthermore, the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Heating oil specifically is a significant fire hazard. In just seconds, oil can ignite into a fire that becomes impossible to control.

Prevention tips: Never leave the stove unattended when you cook. For oil frying, a deep fryer is a safer option than an open pan. Be sure to use a CSA or ULC certified fryer with a thermostat. Read the instructions for use and storage and turn it off immediately after use.

Barbeques

Barbequing is a great way to cook food. However, if not done properly, it can pose a safety and fire hazard.

Lighting and using your barbecue:

  • Never use a gas or charcoal grill indoors.
  • Use your barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Position it away from any flammable material and make sure it does not block any exits.

Safety tips for gas grills:

  • Always lift up the lid before opening the valve of the tank; then turn on the burners and press the igniter switch.
  • Make sure that all pipes and hoses are empty by first closing the tank’s valve and then shutting off the burners.

Gas grill maintenance:

  • Clean the pipes of the burners every year, using a brush designed for this purpose.
  • Check for leaks, after opening the tank’s valve, by moving a brush full of soapy water over all moving parts. Bubbles will appear if there is a leak; tighten the joints and replace the damaged parts.
  • Always store the tank outside.

Cigarette Butts

Despite the fact that the number of smokers is steadily decreasing, fire caused by cigarettes still seems to be a major cause of property damage.

Prevention tips: If you’re a smoker, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Never smoke lying on a bed or sofa—it’s all too easy to fall asleep!

Electrical fires

Temporary electrical installations or overloaded connections are a significant fire hazard.

Prevention tips:

  • Never operate more than one high energy appliance at the same time on the same circuit.
  • Connect electronic devices to a surge-protected power strip.
  • Avoid using plug dividers, as they can overload the electrical outlet.
  • If you need to use an extension cord, make sure it has enough capacity for the appliance and never slide the cord under a carpet. For long-term use, hire an electrician to add more electrical outlets instead.
  • Always wet cigarette butts before throwing them in the trash.
  • Never extinguish cigarette butts in flowerpots or planters outside. The earth is inert and can pose a fire hazard. Black earth or mulch contains, peat, moss or wood chips which are combustible materials. They may also contain chemical fertilizers which could ignite. Did you know that it can take four to five hours from the time the butt is extinguished to the time a flame starts?

Candles

A candlelit dinner can turn into a catastrophe if you leave burning candles unattended. Despite the recent rise in homes damaged by water, accidental fires are still among the most common insurance claims.

Prevention tips:

  • Never let candles burn unattended.
  • Use good quality candlesticks that are not made of wood or plastic.
  • Arrange the candlesticks in a closed, non-passing area at least 30 cm from draperies or woodwork.

Theft

Having your home broken into, can be very traumatic. Being robbed of valuables or sentimental treasures can be both a financial and psychological hardship.

Prevention tips:

  • Invest in an alarm system.
  • Do not leave a key outside.
  • Lock all doors and windows every time you leave the house.
  • Inform a trusted neighbor if you are leaving for more than a few days.

Natural Disasters

Hailstorms, violent winds and other natural disasters can severely damage your property.

Prevention tips: If a storm is coming, minimize the potential damage by storing your patio furniture and BBQ (without the tank) inside. Plus, make sure you have enough supplies for the first 72 hours of an emergency.

Most standard home group insurance policies provide protection for these types of risks with some exclusions.

The good news is that you can now get prevention tools on The Personal app, with programs like AlertTM, which sends a notification if it detects water or a frozen pipe risk in your home, and RadarTM, which warns you when severe weather is headed your way.


This article is being provided by APEGA on behalf of The Personal which has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members.

The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, expert advice.

The Personal logo

To find out more, call 1-877-314-6646,
or visit thepersonal.com/apega

Follow us:
facebook twitter linkedin youtube instagram