Skip to main content

Miller Financial Group Red Oak Iowa

  •  Tel: (712) 623-5726
  •  Tel: (800)347-9511
  •  Fax: (712) 623-4642
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Get a Free Portfolio Risk Analysis

Miller Financial Group Red Oak Iowa

  • Home
  • About
    • Our Firm
    • Our Team
    • Our Pledge to You
  • Our Services
  • Radio
  • Dan's Book
  • Upcoming Events
  • Resources
    • Retirement Readiness Quiz
    • FREE Reports
    • FREE Retirement Guide
    • Calculators
    • Financial News
    • Economic Updates
    • Useful Websites
    • USA Financial Trending Report
    • Video Library
  • Login
  • Blog
  • Contact

Plan Today.

Invest for Tomorrow.

We’ll help you prepare

for what comes next.

Planning for retirement is a journey.

You don’t have to do it alone.

  Previous   Next

    You are here

  1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. Rain, Snow & Ice: 4 Tips For Preventing an Insurance Claim This Winter in the Frigid Midwest

Rain, Snow & Ice: 4 Tips For Preventing an Insurance Claim This Winter in the Frigid Midwest

Submitted by Miller Financial Group | Red Oak Iowa Financial Advisor on February 17th, 2021

If you’re like many Nebraska and Iowa residents and much of the Midwest, you’ve been hit by a hefty dose of winter recently. Even if you’re used to snowstorms, heavy rains and bitter cold, there are things you can do now to prepare for or prevent a weather-related insurance claim.

About one in 50 homes experiences water damage or damage caused by freezing every year - with the cost of repair averaging $10,849.1 Whether you’re experiencing unexpected freezing temperatures and inches upon inches of snow buildup, the danger of water damage is prevalent across the country.

As winter continues on, keep these four tips in mind to stay safe and (hopefully) avoid a costly insurance claim. 

 

Tip #1: Avoid Side Roads

It's not fun having to drive around in the snow and ice (especially in a small car with 2-wheel drive). Avoid side roads that may contain long-lasting ice or snow. Side roads may be sheltered by the shade of homes or trees, making snow and ice last longer. Plus, snow plows tend to hit heavily used roads first - such as highways and main streets in cities and towns.

If you see an accumulation of water on the street, turn around or go around the water, if safe to do so. Driving through a flooded area can cause serious damage to your vehicle and can be hazardous to your safety.

 

Tip #2: Put Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle

Some auto insurance companies will offer 24/7 roadside assistance as a part of your policy, which may come in handy during periods of inclement weather. If your vehicle becomes stranded in the snow, there are a couple of things you’ll want to have on hand as you await assistance.

Emergency supplies can be kept in your trunk, and they may be used to keep you warm, nourished or help you get “unstuck” from the snow.

Some emergency supplies to consider keeping in your car include:

  • Blankets
  • Flashlight
  • Ice scraper
  • Foldable snow shovel
  • Snacks & bottled water
  • Battery-supplied phone charger
  • Cat litter or sand (used for gaining traction in snow and ice)

 

Tip #3: Watch for Cracks

If you have small cracks in your driveway, walkways or sidewalks, you’ll want to keep an eye on them during winter - especially after heavy precipitation. Rain or snow (as it melts) can seep into small cracks in concrete or asphalt. As water freezes and turns to ice, it expands. If you’re experiencing below-freezing temperatures in your area, this could cause cracks to fill with water, freeze and get bigger. Keeping your walkways shoveled and salted can make it easier to spot these issues before they become larger (more costly) problems down the line.

 

Tip #4: Shovel for Safety

Whether it’s a couple of inches or several feet, homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks and walkways clear on their property. States and regions have their own regulations regarding snow removal, with some requiring that sidewalks be shoveled within several hours of the snow stopping.

Neglecting to shovel and salt your property can be grounds for a lawsuit, should serious injury result from someone slipping and falling on an icy area. The best way to avoid injury and a costly court case is to be aware of your city’s rules regarding snow removal and follow them accordingly.

Being prepared and responsible can help you get through the winter blues. It can also help you avoid costly mistakes, headache and potential injury. As you work to keep your vehicle and home weather-proof this winter, don’t forget to double-check your homeowners insurance policy and auto policy and make any updates or adjustments you need to stay well-covered.

Stay warm!

 

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-rente...

Tags:
  • Financial Questions
  • Insurance
  • Prevention
  • weather

Book a Meeting Today

Take our Retirement Readiness Quiz

Budget Worksheet

Tell a Friend

505 North 3rd Street
Red Oak, Iowa 51566 
  •  Tel: (712) 623-5726
  •  Tel: (800)347-9511
  •  Fax: (712) 623-4642
  •  info@planwithmillerfinancial.com
  •  
  •  
  •  

Dan Miller,  Kaleb Robuck, Marcus Taylor, and Brad Starken are investment adviser representatives of, and securities and advisory services are offered through, USA Financial Securities Corp., Member FINRA/SIPC. www.finra.org A Registered Investment Adviser located at 6020 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Miller Financial Group, Inc. is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities.

Dan Miller, Kaleb Robuck, and Marcus Taylor are authorized to transact securities related business and investment advisory services only in states where he is properly registered. For investment products and services these states include: Dan: AL;AR;AZ;CA;CO;FL;IA;IL;IN;KS;KY;LA;MN;MO;NC;NE;OR;SC;SD;TX;WA. Kaleb: CO;IA;KY;MO;NE. Marcus: IA;MN;MO;NE. For investment advisory services these states include: Dan: AL;AR;AZ;CA;CO;FL;IA;IL;IN;KS;KY;LA;MN;MO;NC;NE;OR;SC;SD;TX;WA. Kaleb: CO;IA;KY;MO;NE. Marcus: IA;MN;MO;NE. Additionally, clients who are not residents of these states cannot be serviced. This website is not intended to provide investment, legal, or tax advice, nor to effect securities transactions or to render personal advice for compensation. 

© 2021 Miller Financial Group, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Website Design For Financial Services Professionals