Football, Falling Leaves & Fall Insurance Checkups in Athens, GA
Fall in Athens means football Saturdays, cooler evenings, and finally getting a little relief from the Georgia heat. Between trips to the pumpkin patch, yard work, and cheering on the Dawgs, insurance probably isn’t at the top of your weekend plans.
But a few simple checks now can help you head into the colder months better prepared. At Larry Baumwald Insurance, here are five things we recommend putting on your fall to-do list.
1. Give Your Home a Quick Walk-Around
Those colorful leaves look great on the trees. In your gutters and downspouts? Less so.
Take a few minutes to check for clogged gutters, loose shingles, damaged branches, and areas where water collects near your foundation. Addressing small problems early can help keep them from turning into bigger repairs.
If you’ve replaced your roof, renovated a room, or added a deck this year, let your insurance agent know. Your coverage should reflect the home you have today.
2. Get Ready for Fireplace Weather
The first cool evening can make it tempting to light a fire and settle in. Before you do, arrange for a qualified professional to inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney as needed.
It’s also a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check your fire extinguisher, and make sure seasonal decorations stay away from heat sources.
A little preparation now means one less thing to worry about when the temperature drops.
3. Know Your Coverage Before a Deer Crosses Your Path
Whether you’re driving home from a football game or heading to work before sunrise, keep an eye out for deer.
Here’s an insurance detail that surprises people: damage from directly hitting a deer generally falls under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Liability-only coverage won’t pay for that damage to your own vehicle.
Unsure whether your vehicle has comprehensive coverage—or what your deductible is? That’s a good question to ask before you need it.
4. Make Your Home Ready for Guests
Football watch parties, trick-or-treaters, and holiday gatherings can bring extra visitors to your doorstep.
Check outdoor lighting, secure loose handrails, and clear leaves and other tripping hazards from walkways. Keep extension cords and decorations out of walking paths.
While you’re preparing for company, ask your agent to review your personal liability limits and explain whether an umbrella policy would make sense for your household.
5. Give Your Business a Fall Checkup, Too
For local contractors and small-business owners, fall is a good opportunity to review what has changed since your last insurance renewal.
Have you purchased tools, added a work vehicle, hired employees, or started offering a new service? Let your agent know so those changes can be reviewed.
If you’re a plumber, electrician, HVAC contractor, painter, or landscaper, don’t wait until a customer requests proof of insurance to find out whether your coverage still fits your work.
Let’s Check Your Coverage Before the Holiday Rush
You don’t have to sort through your policies alone. Larry Baumwald Insurance helps families and businesses in Athens, Watkinsville, Bogart, and throughout Northeast Georgia understand their coverage and compare options.
Enjoy the football, the cooler weather, and the time with family. We’re here to help with the insurance questions.
Call 706-353-8444
Email dustin@baumwald.com
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