From freezing temperatures to ice and snow buildup, winter can be harsh on your home. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. By following this winter home maintenance checklist, you can better prepare your home for the cold weather ahead.

Some of these tasks are potentially dangerous, so please consider hiring a service professional.

Check Heating System

Most home maintenance experts recommend that you schedule an inspection of your heating system each year, ideally before the chill of winter sets in. The last thing you want is for it to break down in the middle of a cold snap. If that happens, you may have to wait several days for a service technician to come to your home.

Here are some things a service technician should check during a routine maintenance inspection:

Test Backup Generator

If a severe winter storm knocks out power in your area, it might be hours or days before it is restored. That’s a long time to spend in the cold. A portable home generator is the perfect antidote to a winter power outage. It will keep the lights on—and the heat circulating—during these unfortunate events.

To make sure your generator is still running smoothly, follow this winter home maintenance checklist: 

Schedule a Chimney Cleaning

Sitting beside a roaring fire is one of winter’s most enjoyable activities—assuming your chimney is in proper working order. If it isn’t, your home can quickly fill up with smoke.

That’s why you should schedule a regular chimney maintenance inspection. A professional chimney sweep will clean any blockages that might exist in your chimney, whether it’s a buildup of soot or a bird’s nest. This way, you can relax next to your fireplace or wood stove with confidence.

Avoid Ice Dams

When the snow does arrive, it’s important to prevent ice dams from forming. An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the edge of your roof. While an ice dam may not look like a big deal, it can prevent melting snow from draining properly. As a result, the water can leak into your roof and damage your ceilings, insulation and walls.

To prevent a winter ice dam, make sure your gutters are clear of debris before the first snowfall. Then use a telescoping roof rake to brush the snow off the roof when it arrives.

It’s also a good idea to knock wet snow off any tree branches hanging over your home. A buildup of heavy snow can cause branches to snap and break, potentially damaging your roof. You may want to hire a professional to do this for you.

Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Exposure to cold winter air can cause your pipes to freeze, blocking the flow of water. Even worse, a frozen pipe can burst, causing severe damage to your home.

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to prevent pipes from freezing:

Test Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps are the last line of defense against a flooded basement, so it’s a smart idea to test your pump before winter. After all, if it isn’t functioning properly, you could end up with serious property damage.

Testing your sump pump is easy:

1. Pour water into the pump pit until the float rises.
2. Listen for the pump to turn on.
3. Make sure the pump turns itself off when the water is removed.
4. Confirm that the water is being directed away from your home’s foundation.

Even if your sump pump is working fine, it may be worth installing a water alarm on the floor near potential sources of moisture accumulation. These automatic sensors are easy to set up and capable of detecting 1/32 inch of water.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

According to Climate Central, the number of major power outages in the U.S. increased by about 78 percent between 2011 and 2021, compared to the previous decade. The vast majority of these outages were due to severe weather conditions.

Given this trend, it’s important to prepare for snowstorms and other winter emergencies, the same way you would prepare for a hurricane. Here are some things to stock up on:

If you have a fireplace, keep a decent supply of chopped wood and fire-starters on hand. A roaring blaze is a great way to stay warm if the power goes out this winter.

Clear Snow From Walkways

Be sure to keep any outdoor walking paths around your home clear of snow and ice. Of course, this includes the steps leading to your home. Here are some helpful tips:

Driveways are a different matter altogether. Depending on its size, you may want to use a snow blower or hire a plow to remove the snow.

Safely Hang Holiday Lights

Hanging holiday lights is a fun tradition, but it can also be dangerous. To minimize the risk, it’s important that you know how to properly maintain and install your winter lights.

Inspecting Your Lights and Cords

• Before plugging in last year’s lights, inspect their condition. Don’t use strings of lights with broken bulbs, loose bulb connections or frayed cords. They can cause an electric shock when plugged in or, worse, an electric fire.
• Holiday lights are labeled for indoor or outdoor usage. The same goes with extension cords. Use them accordingly.
• Unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Hanging Your Lights

• When hanging lights outside of your home, use a sturdy wooden or fiberglass ladder. Metal ladders conduct electricity, which can lead to electrical shocks.
• Don’t use metal staples or nails to hold strings of lights in place. If they pierce the insulation, they can cause an electrical shock and present a potential fire hazard. Use plastic hooks instead.
• Don’t plug in too many lights. It can cause your circuit to blow.

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What is Rental Car Insurance?

Rental car insurance is just what it sounds like—insurance that covers a rental car. Rental car insurance is usually offered at the counter when you finalize the paperwork. Rental car insurance can also be provided by your credit card company.

Most rental car insurance offered by the rental car company is redundant with coverage you may already have. In general, if you already carry full coverage on your personal car insurance policy, you don’t need to purchase additional rental car insurance. Check with your insurance provider for the specifics of your particular policy.

Most rental car insurance is redundant if you already carry full coverage.

Most rental car insurance is redundant if you already carry full coverage.

Rental car insurance is different from rental reimbursement coverage. Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car while your personal car is being repaired.

When Do You Use Rental Car Insurance?

There are situations where purchasing additional rental car insurance may be necessary.

Renting Without Auto Insurance

While you don’t need to have your own insurance policy to rent a car, it’s a smart idea to purchase rental car insurance when you rent. Without it, you’ll be on the hook for expenses if you get into an accident with the rental car. Purchasing rental car insurance can protect you from liability if you injure someone, or if the rental car is damaged.

Renting In Other Countries

If you’re traveling to a foreign country and need to rent a car, your personal car insurance policy likely won’t cover you. Most auto insurance policies will only cover you in the United States, its territories or Canada. If your policy doesn’t cover you in the country you’re driving in, it’s a good idea to purchase coverage from the rental car company. Make sure any policy you purchase meets that country’s insurance requirements.

Renting with a Credit Card

Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit for cardholders. If you book a rental car with an eligible credit card, you’ll get insurance coverage for damage to the car. Check with your credit card issuer for details.

In most cases, the insurance offered by the credit card does not include liability or personal injury insurance. If you don’t already have these coverages on another policy, it’s a good idea to purchase them as well.

How to Buy Rental Car Insurance

When you go to the rental car counter to sign the documents, you’ll be offered coverage. The rental car agent at the counter will present you with coverage options, which you may choose to purchase or decline.

Remember, rental car insurance coverage is optional if you already carry full coverage on an insurance policy. Most full coverage policies extend to cover rental cars. If you don’t need additional rental car insurance, you may decline to purchase it.

What Type of Insurance is Included?

While the exact limits and exclusions vary between rental car companies, rental car insurance usually consists of the following coverages:

• Liability coverage
• Damage waiver
• Personal accident coverage
• Personal effects coverage

Liability coverage protects you if you injure someone or damage someone’s property while operating the rental car.

A damage waiver is technically not insurance, but is an agreement that you will not be responsible for any damage to the rental car. Theft of the vehicle is sometimes included but it could also be offered as a separate waiver.

Personal accident coverage helps pay for your medical expenses in the event of an accident. There may be additional medical expense coverage offered that increases the amount of coverage.

Personal effects coverage pays for the loss or damage of personal belongings while renting the car.

Insurance Upgrades: Should You Buy It?

Rental car coverage is largely redundant with most auto policies. However, some coverages could be considered upgrades if you don’t already have that coverage or the same amount of coverage on another policy.

For example, if your personal car insurance policy has lower limits than the ones offered by the rental car company, the additional rental car coverage would offer more protection. If you don’t have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal car, the damage waiver on a rental car can be a good upgrade.

How Does the Deductible Work?

If you file a claim with your own insurance company, you may need to pay a deductible. A deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurance will start paying for insurance claims. It’s your share of the cost in the event of a claim.

A damage or loss waiver from the rental car company does not carry a deductible. If you purchased the damage waiver, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket in the event of an accident. However, if you file a claim through your own insurance company you will have to pay your deductible.

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How does Substitute Transportation Coverage Work?

Your car insurance will help pay for a rental car if you carry substitute transportation coverage for your vehicle. Substitute transportation coverage reimburses you for a rental car or other substitute transportation if your car is damaged from a covered accident.

At Plymouth Rock, substitute transportation doesn’t just mean rental cars. We’ll also reimburse you for other means of transportation, such as taxi, train or bus expenses. No matter which kind of substitute transportation you decide to go with, be sure to hang on to your receipts. You’ll need to submit them to get your reimbursement.

Substitute transportation coverage helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

This substitute transportation coverage does not cover any additional rental charges. Things like mileage charges, fuel, navigation devices, tolls, additional insurance or collision damage waivers will not be covered. If you already carry comprehensive or collision coverage on one of your personal vehicles, those coverages will apply to any rental cars you drive.

Keep in mind that substitute transportation coverage only applies if your car is unavailable after a covered claim. It won’t reimburse you for any other situations where you wouldn’t have your car, like in the event of maintenance or for vacation purposes.

How Long is a Rental Car Covered After an Accident?

How long insurance covers a rental car depends on which insurance company you file your claim with.

Generally, if your car is damaged by another at-fault driver you can pursue damages, like substitute transportation expenses, from their car insurance company. The company must first conduct their investigation into liability for the claim. However, it may take weeks or months before you receive money to cover substitute transportation expenses.

Instead, you can file a claim with your own insurance policy if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage. Plymouth Rock will help you arrange for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. This way, you’ll be back on the road in no time while you wait for your repairs.

Our substitute transportation coverage starts when your car is brought into the shop if it’s drivable, the day the claim is reported if it’s not or 48 hours after it’s reported stolen.

Your rental car expenses will be covered until the earliest of the following:

• After a reasonable period to repair your car
• When your car is returned to you
• When your car is replaced
• After 30 days
• When your rental limit is exhausted
• Three days after you receive a settlement for a totaled or stolen car

Limits and Reimbursement Coverage Explained

When you select substitute transportation coverage, you’ll get to choose your limits. For example, you may see a coverage limit of $50/$1,500. The first number is the maximum amount you can get reimbursed per day. The second number is the total maximum for the 30 day period.

This doesn’t mean you can spend less per day and have a longer coverage period. It also doesn’t mean you get to have a higher daily limit for a shorter period. If your daily rental expenses are higher than your limit, you will have to pay the remainder out of pocket. No matter the case, your rental reimbursement period cannot exceed 30 days per claim.

We know that being without your car can be stressful. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process to be quick and simple, with great exclusive benefits that save you time.

Eligible customers can take advantage of our Door-to-Door Valet Claim Service®, included at no charge with comprehensive or collision coverage*. We’ll pick up your car, transport it to the Door-to-Door® shop of your choice and bring it back when it’s done. You’ll never have to leave your home or office to get your car fixed. We’ll even coordinate a rental car for customers with rental coverage to be delivered to you.

*Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, features and benefits are not available in all states or companies. Door-to-Door Valet Claim Service is available in CT, NH, NJ, PA, NY and MA.

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What is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you need to pay before your car insurance will start paying for claims. It’s what you pay “out of pocket” before your car insurance pays. A deductible is not the same as your insurance premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy. You may have to pay your deductible every time you file a claim.

How Does a Deductible Work?

Deductibles typically apply to your non-liability coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverage are the most common types of insurance that are impacted by deductibles.

Collision coverage pays for the cost to repair or replace your car after a collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes things like:

• Natural disasters and storms
• Fires
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Damages caused by hitting an animal

Other types of car insurance impacted by deductibles may include personal injury protection, medical payments coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Car insurance deductibles must be paid every time you file a claim. A deductible is your share of the responsibility to pay for a claim. After you pay your deductible, your car insurance company will pay the remainder of the expenses. For example, if your car suffers $2,000 in damages and your deductible is $500, you will pay $500 and your insurance will pay the remaining $1,500 to repair your car.

Your insurance will not pay for anything until the deductible is met. If the cost of the damage is below your deductible, you will be responsible for paying for the entire cost. For example, if your car suffers $400 in damages and your deductible is $500, your insurance will not pay for any of the repairs.

If you damage someone else’s car, your property damage liability coverage will pay for their repairs. You don’t pay a deductible for this liability coverage. If your own car is damaged as well, your collision coverage will pay for repairs after you pay your deductible.

Benefits of Lowering your Car Insurance Deductible

Your insurance premium is related to your deductible. A low deductible means you pay less in the event of a claim, but your overall insurance premium will be a little higher. A higher deductible means you pay more in the event of a claim, but you pay less on your premium.

There are advantages to having a low deductible. While you pay more each renewal, you pay less out of pocket when you file a claim. With a higher deductible, you risk spending more money on claims.

Glass damage is one of the most common car insurance claims made, so many insurers offer separate windshield deductibles. Often, these glass deductibles will be lower than a comprehensive deductible.

At Plymouth Rock you can select a $0 windshield deductible, which means you won’t have to pay to replace a windshield in a covered loss. Plymouth Rock also offers a $100 Glass Deductible option, which applies a $100 deductible for glass only claims.

How to Change Your Deductible

To change your deductible, contact your agent or insurance company to request the change. Plymouth Rock customers can view and edit their policy at any time online or on the Plymouth Rock mobile app.

There isn’t one right answer to choosing a deductible— it depends on your own financial situation. Consider the value of your vehicle and how much you are comfortable paying in the event of an accident.

When Can You Change Your Deductible?

You can change your deductible at any time. Typically, changes to your car insurance policy will take effect the next policy period.

If you have questions about car insurance deductibles, give us a call. One of our insurance experts will be happy to guide you through your coverage options.

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What is UBI in Insurance?

UBI stands for usage based insurance. Simply put, it’s an insurance product that rates drivers based on their individual driving habits and car usage. Sometimes, UBI can be known as black box insurance, behavior-based insurance or telematics insurance.

UBI, or usage based insurance, monitors your driving to personalize your insurance rate.

UBI programs do this by monitoring your trips, either with a device that plugs into your car or with a mobile app. These relay your driving information back to your insurance company. With this information, the insurance company can offer you a rate or discount that’s wholly unique to you.

Usage based insurance typically covers the same things that regular car insurance policies cover. You purchase the coverage you want and decide on limits and deductibles as usual. Where usage based insurance differs is how your policy is priced.

Usually, car insurance rates are determined using historical data related to people who may have similar characteristics as you. Usage based insurance instead helps the insurance company determine your rate based on your individual data. This means that your insurance policy is truly personalized to you and your driving habits.

How Does UBI Work?

When you sign up for a UBI program, you’ll begin by setting up a way to monitor your driving trips. There may be a device you plug into your car’s diagnostic port, or a mobile app for your phone. Sometimes, your driving information can be gathered from your vehicle’s onboard systems.

If your UBI program is a mobile app, it will most likely use the GPS on your smartphone. Be sure to let this app run in the background, or turn it on before you begin driving. Devices that connect to your car’s diagnostic port will start automatically when you drive.

While active, a usage based insurance program will assess driving. You’ll be scored based on your driving habits, which may be based on the following:

• Speed
• Braking
• Acceleration
• Time of day
• Total miles driven
• Mobile phone use

Typically, you’ll need to log a certain amount of trips during an assessment period to provide enough data for an accurate rate. Most usage based insurance programs require you to make a minimum amount of trips within a period of time.

Discounts will usually be applied at your next renewal. Consistently logging your trips will help maintain your discount throughout the life of your policy.

Benefits of UBI

Usage based insurance programs offer a chance to save more on car insurance for the same coverage. With usage based insurance, your rate is calculated based on your own driving habits. This means that you don’t pay the same premium as anyone else who may have similar characteristics as you. The safer you drive, the more you save.

If you’re a good driver, UBI can help you save money on car insurance.

Since these savings are personalized to you, it’s a great way to save money on car insurance without lowering your coverage limits or raising deductibles. You’re saving money while maintaining coverage.

Driving with a usage based insurance program also helps you become a safer driver. You’ll become more aware of how you drive, and develop safer driving habits.

UBI Tips

The best way to make the most of a usage based insurance program is to drive safely. Even if you already consider yourself a safe driver, you can maximize your savings if you know how your driving is scored. While each UBI program is different, the categories they consider will be similar. Keep the following in mind as you drive- not only will you drive safer, you may save some money.

Smooth Driving

This typically measures how well you anticipate traffic flow. It could be based on the amount of acceleration and braking you perform while driving. Frequent extreme or harsh braking could lead to a lower smooth driving score.  Leave plenty of following distance between you and other cars.

Speed

Driving at safe speeds will improve this score, while speeding could lower it. Always follow the speed limit and keep a steady pace while driving.

Fatigue

The monotony of driving long distances can lead to driver fatigue and loss of attentiveness. Be sure to take breaks during long trips.

Time of Day

Avoid taking late-night trips. Driving at night is always a safety risk- the lack of visibility reduces your ability to respond to hazards.

Mobile Phone Use

It should go without saying that you shouldn’t be on your phone while you’re driving. Most UBI programs can detect how often you interact with your phone during a trip. Playing music or using navigation doesn’t usually affect this score, as long as you don’t touch your phone.

Annual Mileage

Mileage is not rated per trip, but is based on the total distance traveled during an assessment period. Lower mileage drivers may qualify for better discounts.

Feedback

Many usage based insurance programs provide feedback on your driving. Check in on your driving scores often to see what you’re doing right and how you can improve for next time.

Is It Worth It?

Usage based insurance is one of the best ways to save money on car insurance. UBI programs are designed to reward safe drivers, so the easiest way to save is to drive safely. Most drivers will save money with UBI, however some programs will give a surcharge for poor driving habits or for high annual mileage.

Drivers who benefit most from UBI programs are those who consistently score highly on the driving assessments. To maximize your savings, you should aim to drive smoothly, keep a steady pace and avoid late night trips. Low mileage drivers are more likely to qualify for better discounts.

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Dealing with ice on your windshield during cold weather can be a stressful start to your morning. Removing the snow and ice from your car is essential for winter driving safety. Fortunately, there are several effective methods that make this chore just a little easier. Here are safe and reliable ways to get ice off a windshield.

Best Ways to Get Ice Off Windshield

The best way to keep ice off your windshield is to prevent it from forming there in the first place. A little bit of preparation can go a long way in saving you time and effort during chilly winter mornings.

De-Icing Spray

There are several ice/frost prevention sprays you can buy. These are designed to help make ice or frost removal easy. Simply apply the spray to your windshield the night before. In the morning, the ice or snow should slide off easily with a scraper.

Windshield Covers

If you want to go a step further, consider purchasing a windshield frost cover. These weatherproof covers prevent frost and snow from accumulating on your windshield. Look for one that can cover your entire windshield for best results.

Preventing Snow on Side Mirrors

Many cars have a built-in mirror defroster that activates at the same time as the rear window defroster. If your car doesn’t have that, consider tucking in your mirrors to protect them from snow. If your mirrors don’t swivel, you can adjust the mirrors downward before you turn off your car. This will help prevent snow from accumulating. Just remember to set your mirrors back when you drive in the morning.

Use some de-icing spray on your side mirrors to help keep the ice off. If snow or ice do end up on your side mirrors, de-icing spray will also help you brush it off.

Keeping Wipers from Freezing

To prevent your wipers from freezing, lift them up at night or before the rain or snow comes. This will also keep them out of the way for when you’re brushing off your windshield. Just remember to put them down gently when you’re ready to drive!

Never Pour Hot Water on a Frozen Windshield

Under no circumstance should you pour hot water on a frozen windshield. This is extremely dangerous. The sudden change in temperature will cause the glass to crack or shatter. Glass is a poor conductor of heat, and the uneven change in temperature causes the glass to expand and contract unevenly.

Can I Pour Cold Water on my Frozen Windshield?

You should also never pour cold water on a frozen windshield. While not as extreme, cold water will still create some thermal shock for the glass. The stress may cause microfractures or weaken the glass over time.

Water is not as effective at melting ice as other methods. It would take a long time for cold water to melt and ice, and may actually make things worse by freezing on contact with your windshield. The water will also run off your car and drip on the ground, where it can freeze and create icy patches.

Why is the Inside of My Windshield Frozen?

The inside of your windshield will freeze if there’s excess moisture in your car. This can happen when you track in water or snow from your clothes and shoes. Running the heat will help remove excess moisture from your interior.

To defrost the inside of your windshield, run the defroster setting and use a clean, dry microfiber rag to wipe away the frost as it melts.

If you find that your windshield is often frozen, you may have a leaky window or door seal. If your car has damaged or worn weather seals, outside moisture or water can leak inside. Bring your car to a reputable shop to have it looked at.

How to Properly Defrost a Frozen Windshield

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget to treat your windshield before a frost. If one morning you find your windshield under a thick coat of ice, start by turning your car on and letting it heat up. Don’t turn the defroster on high just yet- keep it at a low level and slowly increase.

Meanwhile, spray the surface with a de-icing spray. Get your ice scraper and work your way towards the middle of your windshield. Scraping too hard can lead to damage, so let your defroster work until the ice comes off easily. Keep in mind to never use a metal object to scrape ice off a windshield- you can easily scratch and damage the glass. Be patient and take your time, and don’t forget about your rear windshield!

If you find that ice is forming on your windshield as you’re driving, make sure you’re using the windshield defrost setting on your AC system. Use windshield wiper fluid with antifreeze to keep the ice off, and make sure your wipers are in good condition.

The best way to stay safe driving in wintry conditions is to avoid driving altogether. If you must venture out, make sure you and your car are prepared. Don’t forget to winterize the rest of your car while you’re preventing ice on your windshield.

The post How to Get Ice Off Your Windshield appeared first on DEV - Plymouth Rock Assurance | Car Insurance and Home Insurance.

Why Should You Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are an important part of your house. Your house’s gutter system channels water away from your home’s foundation. When gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, they can’t effectively redirect water. Instead of draining out in a safe place, water will pool up on your roof.

This will flood back into your house, and can cause serious damage. In the winter, ice dams can form and be even more destructive.

Gutters also help keep water from eroding the landscaping of your house, and even protect the foundation from water damage over time. This also helps reduce the chance of basement flooding.

When to Clean Your Gutters

The best time to clean your gutters is before the snowy and rainy seasons. You’ll notice your gutters start to clog up after the fall leaves drop. A good habit is to create a fall home maintenance checklist, cleaning your gutters in November, when most of the trees have shed their leaves.

Early spring is the next time you should take a look at your gutters. Winter weather may have shed some debris like dead leaves and twigs. This ensures your gutters are ready to handle rain showers.

How Often to Clean Your Gutters

You should clean your gutters at least 2-3 times a year. You may need to clean more often if you live in an area with a lot of trees.

Another good time to check your gutters is after a storm. Heavy winds and precipitation can cause debris to build up in your gutters.

Gutter Cleaning Safety Tips: How to Clean Gutters

The best way to clean your gutters is to hire a professional. However, if you want to do it yourself the actual cleaning is straightforward. However, there are several safety considerations you should be aware of as you prepare to clean your gutters.

Ladder Matters

Always use a ladder to reach your gutters- never lean out of an open window or crawl on the roof. For a single-story home, a four-legged, eight-foot stepladder should suffice. For a two-story home, an extension ladder will be needed. It is important to make sure you feel comfortable with the ladder, its height, weight and stability before you get started.

Make sure you can get high enough to see what you’re doing. If you’re using an extension ladder, never stand on the top four rungs, and never step on the top two rungs of a stepladder. The top rungs of a ladder are typically narrower and less stable.

Strong Foundations

Your ladder should be placed on level, firm ground. Do not attempt to clean your gutters on a windy or wet day.

Protect Yourself

You may think you’re just dealing with leaves, but your gutters can have small stones, mud, silt, animal feces, pine cones and other debris in them. Play it safe and use thick, waterproof gloves for the best protection.

Work with a Buddy

Having someone secure the ladder while you are on it is best. Ask a neighbor or friend for help, and in return you can assist them. A second set of hands is very helpful for handing you your equipment. Plus, it allows you to keep two feet and one hand on the ladder for three-point stability.

Get the Scoop

A gutter scoop is a great tool to help you remove the large debris from your gutters. It’s easy to use and allows you to remain safely on the ladder. A scoop keeps you from accidentally gouging or puncturing the gutter as you’re working on it.

Get the Hose

A garden hose with a spray trigger attachment works great for cleaning out small debris. Remember to spray toward the downspout. If your gutter drains into the street, remove the elbow joint to avoid clogging that may occur underground.

While hoses are great for cleaning gutters, pressure washers are not. The high-pressure water can damage your gutter system or even dislodge them from their brackets.

The Eyes Have It

Protection is a must to keep your eyes safe at all times. Your gutters house a collection of bacteria from birds and other animals, not to mention dirt, grit and more. You do not want any of that to surprise you and get in your eye.

Rubber Rules

Wear rubber-soled shoes for the best grip on the rungs or steps of any ladder. Only wear shoes that lace up- never go on a ladder with sandals or slip-on shoes.

How to Clean Gutters Without a Ladder

If you can’t go up on a ladder or if the gutters are too high, the best way to clean a gutter without a ladder is to hire a professional. A professional will also have the knowledge and experience to spot potential problems with your gutter system.

If you prefer to clean your gutters yourself, you can purchase an extending gutter cleaning tool. These are poles that have a curved end to scoop out debris. Make sure that the extension is long enough to reach your gutters comfortably.

Gutters are an essential part of your home. Regular maintenance will help protect your home from water related issues for years to come. Cleaning your gutters is a cheap and easy preventative measure from costly repairs.

The post Gutter Cleaning: 8 Great Tips for Cleaning Your Gutters appeared first on DEV - Plymouth Rock Assurance | Car Insurance and Home Insurance.

What are OEM Parts?

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are the ones used in the original manufacturing of your car. Sometimes, an OEM part can also be called a factory or original part.

When it’s time to replace worn or damaged parts of your car, you can get OEM parts for the repair. You can either source them new or used. Since an OEM part is identical to the one your car was designed with, it will always fit and work with your car as the manufacturer intended.

What are Aftermarket Parts?

An aftermarket part is anything not made by an original equipment manufacturer. Think of these as the “generic version” of an OEM part. Many aftermarket parts can meet or exceed OEM quality, without the markup of having a brand name attached.

When looking at parts, look for certified aftermarket parts that are made specifically for your vehicle. For example, the Certified Auto Parts Association (CAPA) tests aftermarket parts for safety and compatibility.

What are Remanufactured Parts?

A compromise between OEM and aftermarket solutions is remanufactured OEM parts. These are original parts that have been repaired and tested to their original specification. Remanufactured OEM parts meet the same standards as new parts at a fraction of the price.

There are cases where OEM parts are discontinued. In these cases, the only options are to source a remanufactured part or to get an aftermarket one.

What are the Core Differences?

Fit

OEM replacement parts will fit best because the vehicle is designed with these parts in mind. While being an OEM part is not necessarily an indicator of quality, you’ll know what to expect.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, can vary greatly when it comes to fit. Many parts are made for a wide swath of vehicles, and it’s not uncommon to modify cheaper aftermarket parts to fit. To avoid this hassle, look for certified aftermarket or direct fit replacement parts. The correct part for your vehicle will make the installer’s job easier and save you time and money overall.

Price

OEM parts tend to be pricier than aftermarket options. Many aftermarket parts are of equal quality to an OEM part, but at a fraction of the price.

We know that getting repairs done can be stressful. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process to be quick and simple. Our skilled adjusters will get you back on the road in no time.

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Reasons for the Increase

The recent increase in home insurance rates is the result of a perfect storm of circumstances—most of which are out of your control. Here are the main factors driving the increase:

Cost to Repair and Rebuild Homes

Inflation has resulted in the rising cost of construction labor, as well as construction materials like lumber, roofing and flooring. Therefore, it costs more to repair and rebuild homes than ever before.

Skilled Labor and Supply Chain Shortages

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry, making it very difficult to get a contractor out to your home. The pandemic also caused extreme supply chain challenges. Both of these issues continue to drive up repair costs today.

More Severe Weather Events

Catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, wildfires and flooding have led to record-setting claim payouts and sky-high financial losses. As the frequency and severity of these events increase across the country, so does the cost of insurance. In fact, your premium can be affected even if you haven’t been personally affected by severe weather.

Ways to Lower Your Premium

While you may not be able to control inflation or the weather, there are things you can do to lower your home insurance premium—or at least keep it in check.

Bundle Your Policies

If you haven’t done so already, you should consider bundling your policies with the same insurance carrier. You can get a discount for bundling your homeowners, condo or renters policy with an auto or motorcycle policy. Bundling also works with an umbrella policy.

Take Advantage of Other Discounts

All insurance carriers offer a variety of discounts to help you lower your home insurance policy premium, whether you live in a house, condo or apartment. For example, you can save if you choose paperless billing or if your home is equipped with internet-connected devices that alert you in case of theft, fire or water damage.

Tailor Your Insurance Coverage

It makes sense to only pay for the insurance you need. That’s why you should review your current home insurance policy each year. Remove any coverages that don’t apply to your particular situation and make sure your limits reflect what your property costs to replace.

Update Your Home’s Systems

Installing new systems in your home—or updating existing ones—can lower your premium. This includes your home’s electrical system, heating system, plumbing system and roof.

Increase Your Deductible

Did you know that choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium? Smart homeowners have figured out this makes sense, as the chance you’ll ever file a claim is small. Not surprisingly, more and more people are raising their deductible every year.

Decrease the Likelihood of Experiencing a Loss

Not only will protective devices save you money through home insurance discounts, they’ll also lower your risk of ever needing to file an expensive claim.

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Here is some more important information about mold:

When You’re Covered

Generally speaking, a standard homeowners insurance policy will only cover mold damage or removal if it’s the result of a covered peril that’s listed in your policy. Sudden or accidental water damage is an example of a covered peril.

The amount of mold removal coverage that you have varies by home insurance carrier. Typically, the amount ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per occurrence. You may be able to increase the limit of your mold protection coverage by purchasing a special endorsement from your insurance carrier.

When You’re Not Covered

Homeowners insurance won’t cover you if the mold growth is the result of a lack of maintenance or a long-term water seepage. For example, your claim will likely be denied if the mold is caused by:

• A long-term leaky faucet or pipe that you neglected to repair promptly
• Improperly sealed doors or windows that lead to water leaks
• Poor ventilation that leads to humidity buildup in your bathroom or some other mold-prone area

Additionally, homeowners insurance will not cover mold damage if the mold is caused by:

• Flood waters coming into your home – In some cases, a separate flood insurance policy may help cover mold damage.
• Sump pump failure – Depending on the claim, you may be covered for sump pump failure if you’ve purchased a water backup endorsement.

How Do You Know If You Have Mold

Mold can grow just about anywhere in your home where water and moisture is available. Here are some signs you may have mold growth:

How to Prevent Mold

Here are some proactive measures you can take to prevent mold from growing in your home:

• Install exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to keep them dry. Use ventilating fans and dehumidifiers in other damp areas.
• Inspect your pipes, faucets, appliances and other water sources for openings where water can escape. Repair any leaks immediately so there’s no chance of standing water.
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home. Standing water around your home’s foundation could spell trouble.
• Have your roof inspected regularly to make sure there are no potential leaks.
• Don’t install carpet in areas that are often damp or collect moisture, such as bathrooms and basements.

How to Treat Mold Damage

As a homeowner, it’s important to address mold damage right away, because the longer it sits, the more it grows. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet—such as a patch of mold on a bathroom wall—you can try cleaning it yourself with mold-killing cleaning products.

For more extensive mold damage, follow these basic steps:

Supplemental Coverage Options

Most home insurance carriers offer additional coverages—or endorsements—that cover mold. While these endorsements will cost homeowners extra, they provide great peace of mind. Here are two examples:

• Water backup coverage: This additional coverage pays for mold damage that is caused by drain backups, sewer line clogs and sump pump failures.
• Fungi, rot and bacteria coverage: This standard coverage pays for property damage caused by fungi, which includes mold. If you wish, you can purchase a special endorsement that increases the coverage limit amount.

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