Steps you can take today could reduce the risk of a disruptive insurance claim tomorrow. See what to hazards to look for, and what to do next if you find one.
Protection through prevention
As a homeowner, you have an important role to play in keeping your home safe, and reducing the chances of a major loss. Follow this guidance to see what common hazards to look for and what to do if you find one.
Water damage
Fast fact: Homeowners insurance claims from water damage are more frequent than fire claims and theft claims combined.
What you can do about it: Place water sensors around your home. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
Resources:
Our water damage prevention resource page
Plumbing supply lines
Fast fact: Water damage from failing plumbing supply lines is responsible for more than half of all homeowners insurance claims.
What you can do about it: Inspect plumbing supply lines at least twice annually. Look for fraying, rust, corrosion or any evidence of leaks. Have a plumber replace damaged lines immediately.
Resources:
Learn more about inspecting and replacing plumbing supply lines
Our vendor partners in leak detection and water shut-off
Share our social post on the importance of inspecting plumbing supply lines
Tree care
Fast fact: Proactive tree care - including regular inspections and maintenance - can reduce the risk of tree-related property damage by up to 90%.
What you can do about it: Take steps to trim any dead branches. Trees with flaking bark, hollow trunks or exposed roots should be evaluated by an arborist for possible removal.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on tree care
Moss growth
Fast fact: Moss growth can cause water damage and reduce the lifespan of a roof by weakening shingles and fostering mold growth.
What you can do about it: Trim back trees that may be creating shade and providing a place for moss to thrive. Call a roofing vendor to have any moss removed.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on inspecting your roof
Roof health
Fast fact: One study shows that 85% of all roof failures could've been prevented with regular maintenance and inspection.
What you can do about it: Make sure you visually inspect your roof at least twice annually, and after major storms. Look for damaged, warped or missing shingles.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on inspecting your roof
Our vendor partner in home maintenance
Additional resources
More ways to avoid common losses
We have an interactive webpage that shares actionable tips you can take now to help increase the safety of your home and reduce the chance of a future disruption.
Prepare now, learn how
Explore our library of safety articles and videos for more preventative and general insurance tips. Plus, our weather resource center can help you stay prepared ahead of the next major weather event.
Partners in protection
As a Hanover policyholder, you have access to high-quality service providers that can help reduce your risk of experiencing a claim, including experts in home maintenance, water protection, tree care and much more.
Sources:
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
National Association of Home Builders
American Society of Consulting Arborists
University of Florida
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, operations or actions safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
Protection through prevention
As a homeowner, you have an important role to play in keeping your home safe, and reducing the chances of a major loss. Follow this guidance to see what common hazards to look for and what to do if you find one.
Water damage
Fast fact: Homeowners insurance claims from water damage are more frequent than fire claims and theft claims combined.
What you can do about it: Place water sensors around your home. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
Resources:
Our water damage prevention resource page
Plumbing supply lines
Fast fact: Water damage from failing plumbing supply lines is responsible for more than half of all homeowners insurance claims.
What you can do about it: Inspect plumbing supply lines at least twice annually. Look for fraying, rust, corrosion or any evidence of leaks. Have a plumber replace damaged lines immediately.
Resources:
Learn more about inspecting and replacing plumbing supply lines
Our vendor partners in leak detection and water shut-off
Share our social post on the importance of inspecting plumbing supply lines
Tree care
Fast fact: Proactive tree care - including regular inspections and maintenance - can reduce the risk of tree-related property damage by up to 90%.
What you can do about it: Take steps to trim any dead branches. Trees with flaking bark, hollow trunks or exposed roots should be evaluated by an arborist for possible removal.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on tree care
Moss growth
Fast fact: Moss growth can cause water damage and reduce the lifespan of a roof by weakening shingles and fostering mold growth.
What you can do about it: Trim back trees that may be creating shade and providing a place for moss to thrive. Call a roofing vendor to have any moss removed.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on inspecting your roof
Roof health
Fast fact: One study shows that 85% of all roof failures could've been prevented with regular maintenance and inspection.
What you can do about it: Make sure you visually inspect your roof at least twice annually, and after major storms. Look for damaged, warped or missing shingles.
Resources:
Detailed guidance on inspecting your roof
Our vendor partner in home maintenance
Additional resources
More ways to avoid common losses
We have an interactive webpage that shares actionable tips you can take now to help increase the safety of your home and reduce the chance of a future disruption.
Prepare now, learn how
Explore our library of safety articles and videos for more preventative and general insurance tips. Plus, our weather resource center can help you stay prepared ahead of the next major weather event.
Partners in protection
As a Hanover policyholder, you have access to high-quality service providers that can help reduce your risk of experiencing a claim, including experts in home maintenance, water protection, tree care and much more.
Sources:
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
National Association of Home Builders
American Society of Consulting Arborists
University of Florida
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, operations or actions safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.