Most home insurance claims are preventable. A blocked gutter, an ignored leak, or deferred maintenance can turn into thousands of dollars in damage – and potentially a declined claim if your insurer determines the damage resulted from lack of upkeep.
At Findura, we see it regularly: homeowners who’ve maintained their premiums diligently for years, only to discover their claim is questioned because they couldn’t demonstrate basic property maintenance. The good news? A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk exposure and keep your insurance coverage intact when you actually need it.
Insurance policies are designed to cover sudden and unforeseen events – storms, fire, theft. They’re not designed to cover gradual deterioration or damage that could have been prevented with reasonable care. Most policies include conditions requiring you to maintain your property in good repair.
If you make a claim and the insurer determines the damage was caused or worsened by poor maintenance, they may reduce your payout or decline the claim entirely. Regular upkeep isn’t just about preserving your property value – it’s about preserving your insurance protection.
Blocked gutters are one of the most common contributors to water damage claims. When gutters overflow, water can seep into roof cavities, damage ceilings, and undermine foundations. In heavy rain, the damage can be extensive – and fast.
Make it a habit to clear gutters at the end of each season, particularly after autumn leaf drop and before summer storms. If you have large trees near your home, you may need to do this more frequently. Consider installing gutter guards if clearing them yourself isn’t practical.
Your roof is your home’s primary defence against weather. Loose, cracked, or missing tiles can allow water penetration that leads to internal damage. After severe weather events, do a visual inspection from ground level. Look for displaced tiles, damaged flashing, or sagging areas.
If you notice issues, fix them quickly. A $300 roof repair today can prevent a $15,000 water damage claim tomorrow. For older roofs or after significant storms, consider engaging a professional roof inspector every few years.
Hot water system failures cause significant property damage when they leak or burst. Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing, yet many homeowners ignore this until something goes wrong.
Check your system’s pressure relief valve quarterly – it should release a small amount of water when lifted. Look for signs of corrosion, unusual noises, or water pooling around the base. If your system is over ten years old, consider having it professionally assessed. Replacing an ageing system proactively is far cheaper than dealing with the flood damage when it fails.
Poorly maintained air conditioners can leak, causing water damage to ceilings and walls. Heating systems that aren’t serviced can become fire hazards. Both create preventable insurance risks.
Clean or replace air conditioning filters monthly during heavy use periods. Have ducted systems professionally serviced annually. For heating, ensure flues and chimneys are clear, gas connections are secure, and any combustion heaters are serviced by licensed technicians before winter.
Small leaks don’t stay small. That dripping tap, weeping pipe joint, or damp patch on the ceiling will worsen over time. Left unaddressed, you’ll face mould problems, structural timber damage, or electrical issues – all of which create much larger repair bills and potential insurance complications.
When you spot moisture where it shouldn’t be, investigate the source immediately. Fix minor plumbing issues promptly, improve ventilation in damp areas, and address any drainage problems around your property’s perimeter.
Here’s something many homeowners overlook: keeping records of your maintenance activities. If you ever need to make a claim, being able to demonstrate that you’ve maintained your property properly strengthens your position significantly.
Take dated photos after completing maintenance tasks. Keep receipts from tradespeople. Maintain a simple spreadsheet or logbook noting when you’ve cleaned gutters, serviced systems, or made repairs. This documentation can be invaluable if your insurer questions whether damage was preventable.
Regular maintenance might feel like an inconvenience, but it’s far less disruptive than dealing with preventable damage – and the insurance claim process that follows.
If you’re unsure whether your current insurance policy adequately reflects your property’s condition or value, or if you’ve made significant improvements or changes, let’s have a conversation. At Findura, we conduct annual reviews to ensure your coverage matches your current reality – not what was true when you first took out the policy.