Are you looking for ways to save money on your home insurance? Damages from three of the five areas listed below, including water, wind and fire, account for a large percentage of claims to insurance providers. Here are suggestions that can help save homeowners thousands of dollars:

1.) Disconnect your home's downspout from the sewer connection. Cut the downspout approximately 23 cm from the connection, then cap the sewer standpipe and connect an extension to allow water to run away from the house and its foundation. This is important because it reduces the level of storm water going through the sewers, in turn, preventing sewer backup. 

2.) Insulate pipes exposed to the cold. You should take measures to prevent cold pipes from freezing, bursting and flooding. Foil or fibreglass insulation can be used to wrap attic pipes. Wrap the pipe fully and seal it with duct tape. 

3.) Store firewood in the right way. Keep firewood at least 10 meters away from your house's walls, and to prevent fire risk, don't pile it directly on the ground. In addition, green grass functions as a natural firebreak between the home and potential forest fires if you live near a woodlot. 

4.) Trim trees that are close to the roof and windows. Trees that are close to your roof and windows are especially prone to costly wind-caused damage.

5.) Invest in a kitchen fire extinguisher. Grease fires are the number one cause of home fires. Fire extinguishers are inexpensive investments that can help lower the cost of damage by thousands of dollars. Metal lids and potholders can be used to smother flames, so keep these nearby when you're cooking. And remember — don't douse a grease fire with water!

For answers related to all of your home and auto insurance needs, contact the experts at Fundy Mutual. One of our experienced home insurance brokers will be happy to help you.