It's supposed to drop well below just freezing here this weekend. Where's that friggin' global warming shit they promised us...
Our biggest concern, however is freezing pipes. Especially here in Florida, where the vast majority of plumbing is PVC piping, not copper or steel, but even those are in danger.
In most cases, home insurance covers burst pipes when the damage is sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe freezes and cracks during a cold snap, your policy will likely cover the resulting water damage as long as you took reasonable measures to prevent freezing.
When a burst pipe causes damage, it triggers various types of coverage within your policy, depending on the extent and type of the damage sustained.
If a pipe bursts and damages your hardwood floors or carpet, ruins your drywall, or affects your ceiling, dwelling coverage kicks in to pay for the repairs, up to your policy limits.
If your belongings, such as furniture, area rugs, or electronics, are damaged by a burst pipe, personal property coverage can help you cover the costs of repairs or replacements. In most cases, Coverage C claim payouts are based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the damaged items. This means that a claim payout will reflect the depreciated value of the item(s), not its current market price.
The best advice I'd give everyone, no matter where you live - and especially if you're gonna be away from the house for a length of time - is to keep wtaer running through the system. Let a faucet drip somewhere in the house, preferably from a spot as far away from the main water coming in to the house, as possible.
Good luck fellow Floridites...
...
Your furnace has been cranking all winter.
It's a good idea to change you HVAC filters.
Find the size you use here ...
...
I worked as a training developer for a couple of insurance firms. I'd add that you should get a replacement value ruder that will pay you the costs of replacing lost items. My home was burgled years ago and the p.o.s. stole some old pretty valueless 35mm cameras. I went to a local dealer who worked with me to get the more modern cameras and the insurance paid out with no fuss. Also, get umbrella coverage. That will cover you far beyond the usual limits for losses. That would be particularly valuable to you if you are sued and the suit exceeds the policy limit. After that, the insurance company will fight the suit itself. You essentially get a battery of lawyers for a few bucks more a year on your policy.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side of things you will have maybe a few less iguanas and snakes in the area. Get out early they are good eats.
ReplyDeleteAnother trick is to have water pipes below the insulation layer in the ceiling or lay insulation over them if you can't.
ReplyDeleteI have a recreational property in Montana. The water system is fed by the local water system. When I leave in the fall I shut the water off, drain the water heater, and use an air compressor to blow out the pipes. Never a problem with leaving the place all winter.
ReplyDelete