As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us — reluctantly or enthusiastically — dive into the annual tradition of spring cleaning.
Usually, the primary goal is to declutter and refresh our living spaces, but spring cleaning can also extend beyond organizing attics and closets.
13 ways to polish your policies
Surprisingly, your insurance policies — especially homeowners’ or renters’ insurance — can be impacted by your spring cleaning routine. Here’s how:
1 – Home Inventory Updates
One of the unexpected results of spring cleaning is taking inventory of the stuff you own. While it may seem tedious, updating your list of belongings will come in handy if you ever have to file a claim, especially if your insurance company requires you to provide documentation before they cover any losses.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Use the cloud to your advantage by creating a digital inventory with photos, receipts, and detailed descriptions of valuable items.
2 – Improved Home Safety
Clearing out gutters, inspecting the roof, and purging piles of unwanted clothes and toys not only gives you a cleaner home, but it also gives you a safer one that can impact your insurance coverage. Since a well-maintained home is less susceptible to accidents and damage, you might be able to make the case for lower insurance premiums and a reduced risk of claims.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Regularly check and update your home’s safety features, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, to ensure they’re still in good working condition.
3 – Reevaluation of Valuables
While decluttering closets and dresser drawers, you might rediscover valuable items like jewelry, art, or other collectibles. Take this opportunity to reassess the coverage for these items in your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. Making sure that these valuables are well protected can save you from potential financial losses in the future.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Consider getting appraisals for high-value items to avoid underinsuring them.
4 – Updates to Home Renovations
If spring cleaning includes home improvements — like updating a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry area — be sure to notify your insurance provider. Major renovations can affect the value of your home, and your insurance policy may need to be adjusted to accurately reflect these changes.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Keep detailed records of the renovation process, including receipts and contracts, to give to your insurance provider, if necessary.
5 – Documenting Home Maintenance
Spring cleaning can also involve routine maintenance like servicing your HVAC system, checking for leaks, and inspecting fire alarms and security systems. Keep records of what’s being done so you can demonstrate responsible homeownership to insurers in the event of a claim.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Create a maintenance log that includes task dates, details and outcomes to show your commitment to maintaining a well-cared-for property.
6 – Checking for Mold or Water Damage
While spring cleaning, you may come across signs of water damage or mold. You’ll want to act fast to prevent them from becoming larger, costlier problems. Remember that insurance policies may not cover mold damage if it results from neglect, so finding and fixing the issues as early as possible is important.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Regularly inspect areas that are prone to water damage, like basements and attics, and address any issues immediately.
7 – Liability Concerns
It’s coming up on barbecue and pool season, so if you plan to host indoor or outdoor gatherings or events this summer, be aware of potential liability issues. Check your liability coverage in your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy in case someone is injured on your property.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Consider an umbrella liability policy for additional protection, especially if you frequently host family and friends.
8 – Environmental Considerations
As you prep for spring cleaning, consider the environmental impact of your cleaning products. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives benefits the planet and can indirectly influence your insurance as some providers offer discounts for eco-friendly practices. Your greener lifestyle might mean less “green” going to monthly premiums.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Look for cleaning products with eco-friendly certifications and ask your insurance provider about potential discounts.
9 – Home Security Measures
Spicing up home security is a nice task to have on your spring cleaning list. And it can have a direct impact on your insurance coverage. Upgrading home security systems or installing additional safety features like smart doorbells and security cameras can possibly qualify you for savings on your homeowners’ insurance.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Explore smart home security options and check with your insurance company for any available discounts.
10 – Emergency Preparedness
Pause your spring cleaning for a second to review and update your emergency prep plan. That means making sure that important documents — like insurance policies — are easily accessible in case of an evacuation. If your docs are online, make sure URLs and passwords are in a safe place — like a safe deposit box.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Create a digital backup of essential documents and store them securely, either in the cloud or on a portable drive.
11 – Review Policy Limits
Take a moment to review coverage limits in your insurance policies to be sure that they adequately reflect the current value of your property and possessions. Over time, the value of some assets may increase, and adjusting your policy limits can prevent being underinsured. If values decrease — like with a car — your premiums might be adjusted down.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Regularly schedule policy reviews with your insurance agent to reassess your coverage needs.
12 – Home-Based Businesses
If you started a home-based business, spring cleaning is a great time to reassess your insurance. Speak to your agent to determine if your homeowners’ policy covers your business equipment and liability. If not, consider a separate business insurance policy to address the unique risks of running a company from your home.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Communicate any changes in your home-based business to your insurance provider to avoid coverage gaps.
13 – Seasonal Considerations
Take this opportunity to review and update your insurance coverage for things you use in the upcoming warmer months, like all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, boats, bikes, or pool equipment. Taking this step to make sure your summer stuff is adequately insured can prevent headaches when it’s time to enjoy them.
>> A Guided Solutions Tip: Explore bundled insurance options for seasonal items — you might save on monthly premiums.
Get scrubbing!
A good spring cleaning isn’t just about what you can see — it’s about getting your home ready and resilient for whatever the seasons throw at it. For more, check out our Home Maintenance Checklist!
By adding these extra touches to your spring cleaning routine, you’re not just making your living space safer and more organized. You’re also fine-tuning your insurance coverage for potential savings and all-around protection.
When you’re ready, consider Guided Solutions. We’ll link you up with choices, share some advice that suits your specific situation, try to cut some costs for you, and offer excellent support when needed. With Guided Solutions by your side, you can relax, knowing you’re well taken care of. Let’s spring-clean your insurance!
