{"id":1903,"date":"2024-10-14T17:24:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T17:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=1903"},"modified":"2025-08-11T19:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T19:49:31","slug":"common-home-insurance-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/homeowners-insurance\/common-home-insurance-claims\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Home Insurance Claims in Georgia and How to Prevent Them\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-section\">\n    <div class=\"c-article\">\n        <div class=\"o-wrapper o-wrapper--small\">\n                                                            <picture class=\"c-article__pic\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-article__img\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"320\" height=\"160\">\n                <\/picture>\n                                        <div class=\"c-article__content\">\n                <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                    <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities and challenges. You\u2019ve got to keep up with your mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance. You don\u2019t want to pile on costs or lose the value of your house through unnecessary damages. Anytime something happens to your house, and you need to file an coverage claim, you risk an increase in premiums. No one wants to see any of their living costs rise. Your home\u2019s value could also go down when you experience any damage. It pays to be proactive and put actions in place that will keep your premiums at bay.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Understanding some of the common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/home-insurance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">home insurance <\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">claims folks in Georgia deal with will help you take steps to prevent these from happening and lower costs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Understanding the Common Claims and the Impact on Homeowners<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When something unexpected hits your house, you\u2019re going to be leaning on that home\u00a0 policy. So, you might be flipping through your plan wondering <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/homeowners-insurance\/common-home-insurance-limitations-in-ga\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">what homeowners insurance doesn\u2019t cover in Georgia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Whether it\u2019s Mother Nature or something else, no one wants to see their house torn up. Not only does this lead to extra costs, but it throws a wrench in your whole routine. You\u2019ll deal with people in and out of the house, fixing things. That\u2019s if you don\u2019t have to stay somewhere else because of all the damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even with a home insurance policy, you will have out-of-pocket costs. You\u2019ll have your deductible to pay out, and, if some parts of your claim are denied, you may have to pay for part of the expense to fix the problem. Just imagine you have water damage that causes problems throughout the house. You could be dealing with everything from the floors to the framework. Costs can really skyrocket, heading into the tens of thousands of dollars.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Importance of Proactive Prevention<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As with anything else in life, \u201can ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\u201d You don\u2019t want to take the chance that a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/homeowners-insurance\/why-homeowners-claim-denied\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">home insurance claim will be denied<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. In other words, if you take a little time to be proactive and protect your house from the usual wear and tear, you may be able to prevent home insurance claims. It\u2019s important to take steps to minimize any damage before it happens. You\u2019ll get away from the hassle of getting repairs completed and save any more costs that come along because of the damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tackling Georgia\u2019s Top Home Insurance Claims<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some coverage claims are more common than others. Your Georgia home insurance agent will have your back if you run into trouble. They can explain issues like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/homeowners-insurance\/family-liability-protection\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">what family liability protection covers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and more. But let\u2019s take a look at some common claims so you can work to prevent them from happening.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Navigating Water Damage: The Leading Culprit<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Water leaks or pipes bursting can lead to extensive damage for the homeowner. Whether you have a small leak that builds up over time or a sudden gush of water from a burst pipe, you can expect to see some type of damage. Even though you might not feel like this will happen to you, it\u2019s one of the most common\u00a0 claims made.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By keeping an eye on your appliances and water sources, you can catch issues early and prevent costly damage and potential claims denials for waiting too long.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1904 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-2.jpg\" alt=\"Young couple calling insurance company when roof is leaking.\" width=\"535\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-2.jpg 535w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-2-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-2-249x163.jpg 249w, https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/southern-harvest-common-home-insurance-claims-and-how-to-prevent-them-2-285x186.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fire and Lightning Perils: Staying Ahead of the Flames<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Home fires can cause a lot of awful damage. Fires are one of the top home\u00a0 claims. It only takes a little spark to set off a blaze. With thousands of fires occurring every year, it pays to put steps in place to reduce this from happening.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most fires are caused by carelessness, which means many of them can be prevented. By being mindful of fire and heat sources, you may be able to save your home from a fire. Some things to do to prevent a house fire include the following:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay near the stove when cooking.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t leave lit candles unattended.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay with any portable heat source you\u2019re using.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never overload the electrical outlets.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be sure all appliances have quality electrical cords, not frayed ones.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep all flammable things away from the stove or oven. This includes towels, washcloths, and oven mitts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have a pan lid nearby when cooking. This will come in handy if a grease fire starts. You can use the lid to cover the pan and put out the fire.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make sure you have smoke alarms near the kitchen.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Weather Woes: Mitigating Wind, Hail, and Storm Damage<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Living in Georgia doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re off the hook from a nasty storm now and then. Whenever a storm rolls through with wind, hail and rain, you might be left with a trail of damage. These types of storms are the reasons folks file claims around here.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether it\u2019s strong winds or hail, you could experience shingle, siding or roof damage. And it\u2019s not only outside damage, you may also find water leaks inside.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can help prevent wind and hail damage by the following steps:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep up to date with regular roof maintenance. Check the roof for any loose shingles or areas where water could get inside.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Look into impact-resistant materials for your roof and siding.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep trees trimmed so they are not too close to your home. Then, if branches get struck by lightning or knocked down by wind, they won\u2019t fall on the house, creating greater problems.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Secure any outdoor items like porch furniture, grills, and other miscellaneous things.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your trees and outside furniture could be a problem with people who live close to you, as well. Learn when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/homeowners-insurance\/does-georgia-homeowners-insurance-cover-damage-to-your-neighbors-property\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Georgia homeowners insurance covers damage to your neighbor\u2019s property<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> before the next storm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Theft and Burglary: Prioritizing Home Security<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nobody likes to think their house would get burglarized, but it does happen. It isn\u2019t as common a claim as others, but it still happens from time to time. You can take preventive measures to minimize this risk. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is to lock your doors and windows before leaving or going to bed. Also, don\u2019t leave a spare key in an easy-to-find place.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another smart way to keep burglars away is to install a home security system.<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may even get a discount with your home coverage carrier if you install a security monitoring system.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Specific How-To Tips: Preventative Measures Across Scenarios<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As mentioned, it\u2019s always better to nip potential problems in the bud before they lead to a claim. There are a few minor things you can add to your routine to reduce your chances of a mishap.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Daily Checks to Avoid a Washing Machine Mishap<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It only takes a little drip, drip, drip to lead to water damage. One common problem leading to water dripping is broken or leaking washing machine hoses. Since around six gallons a minute can leak through a broken washing machine hose, a burst hose will flood the room with water. It\u2019s easy to stay on top of this before it becomes a problem. To avoid be sure to inspect your washing machine hoses regularly and replace them if you see signs of damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keeping Your Hot Water Heater in Check<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your hot water tank can end up leaking, too, if it gets damaged or becomes old. Here are a few tips to stay on top of it:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"13\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inspect your water heater to ensure it\u2019s not on its last leg and ready to fail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"14\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be sure to have your water heater flushed out twice a year. This ensures that sediment doesn\u2019t build up.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"15\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Place a drip pan beneath your water heater.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"16\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check the location of your water heater. Is it in a place that, if it leaks, would cause extensive repairs? You might try putting it in the garage if possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;singleLevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"17\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Replace your water heater when it wears out, which is usually between eight and 12 years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dishwasher Diligence to Avert Unwanted Leaks<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dishwashers are another appliance that, when damaged, lead to leak issues. You can avoid leaks from a dishwasher by checking behind the kick plate every six months for signs of water. Also, take a peek under the kitchen sink where the hose feeds into the water. If you notice the dishwasher seal is looking brittle or damaged, it\u2019s time to repair or replace it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ensuring Your Roof Can Withstand the Elements<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:200,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Can your roof handle a storm with strong winds? If your roof is impacted by a terrible windstorm and becomes damaged, it can lead to a lot of other damage. Water can leak in; and rodents and other pests can wiggle through any gaps in the roof, too. Your roof is highly important since it shields the rest of the house from the elements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take time to inspect your roof regularly, especially after a storm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-more-options\">\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper o-wrapper--small\">\n        <h2 class=\"c-more-options__title\">Make Sure Your House Is Covered with Southern Harvest Home Insurance\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n        <div class=\"c-more-options__content\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now that you got the common claims in Georgia and have tips on how to prevent them, you can save yourself from those extra out-of-pocket costs. Don\u2019t wait until the cows come home\u2014reach out to a Southern Harvest Insurance agent today about a free home coverage quote. You can give us a holler at <\/span><a href=\"tel:8778314677\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">(877) 831-4677<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, stopping by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/locations\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">one of our locations<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">getting a quote online<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                            <ul class=\"o-list-bare c-more-options__list\">\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--green\" href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/homeowners-insurance-quote-form\/\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-quote\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\">Get a Quote<\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--brown\" href=\"tel:8778314677\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-phone-linear\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\">Call Us<\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"o-list-bare__item c-more-options__item\">\n                        <a class=\"c-more-options__link c-more-options__link--dark-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/locations\">\n                            <span class=\"o-icon c-more-options__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/southern\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-location-linear\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                            <div class=\"c-more-options__link-text\">Find Your Office<\/div>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1905,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1903"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1903"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1903\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1908,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1903\/revisions\/1908"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}