Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy evenings might make fall your favorite season but it’s also a time when unexpected weather can damage your home.

If you’re a homeowner, now is the time to review your insurance coverage before the first freeze. Fall weather can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and early snow, all of which can threaten your property. A quick insurance checkup can save you time, money, and stress later.

Here are five important insurance considerations to help protect your home this fall.

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy for Seasonal Risks

Autumn weather can cause roof damage, water intrusion, and frozen pipes. Your homeowner’s policy should include coverage for:

• • Roof damage from fallen limbs
  • Water damage from clogged gutters or foundation seepage
  • Frozen or burst pipes due to early cold snaps

If you haven’t reviewed your policy in over a year, now is the perfect time to do so. Confirm your deductibles, limits, and any exclusions that could affect fall-related claims.

2. Check for Gaps in Flood Coverage

Heavy fall rains or melting snow can lead to basement flooding, even if you’re not in a designated flood zone. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not include flood protection.

Consider purchasing separate flood insurance if:

• • Your basement or crawlspace has had moisture issues
  • You live near bodies of water or in low-lying areas
  • Your neighborhood has poor drainage systems

There is usually a 30-day waiting period for new flood policies to take effect, so acting early is important.

3. Evaluate Personal Property Protection

With more time spent indoors during the colder months, you may have more valuable personal property in your home, from electronics to seasonal items.

Take a moment to review your policy’s personal property coverage. Make sure it’s enough to cover:

• • Electronics and appliances
  • Furniture and clothing
  • Holiday decorations and stored valuables

Creating a simple home inventory using your smartphone can help you document everything in case you need to file a claim.

4. Add Sewer Backup Coverage if Needed

Clogged gutters and street drains can lead to sewer backups, which are not typically covered in standard homeowners’ policies. Adding sewer or sump pump backup coverage is often inexpensive and can protect you from costly repairs and clean-up.

If you live in an area with lots of mature trees, this coverage is especially important during the fall when leaves can block drainage systems.

5. Update Liability Coverage Before Hosting Season Begins

Fall marks the beginning of holiday gatherings and increased foot traffic at your home. Slip-and-fall accidents are more likely when walkways are covered with wet leaves or early frost.

Make sure your liability coverage is high enough to protect you in case a guest is injured on your property. This is especially important if you plan to entertain guests during the holiday season.

Fall is the perfect time to give your insurance policies a seasonal tune-up. Reviewing your coverage now can help prevent surprise expenses later and ensure that you and your home are fully protected before winter sets in. Need help reviewing your policy? Speak with a licensed insurance agent today to make sure you’re ready for whatever the season brings.

Insurance products are not FDIC insured, not a deposit and may lose value.