Prep for Fall: The Ultimate Checklist
Although it may not feel like it yet in Texas, cooler weather is just around the corner, and there’s plenty to be done to prep for Fall. From your home and car to your boat, motorcycle, and RV, now is the perfect time to stay ahead of the game and avoid an unwanted claim! (Yes, we meant to rhyme – Fall tends to bring out the poet in us.) To help you tackle things like a pro, our insurance team is here to share with you our ultimate checklist to prep for Fall!
Time to Prep for Fall
Before we walk you through our comprehensive guide to help you prep for Fall, it’s worth illustrating how many ways these simple steps can benefit you. For starters, basic seasonal maintenance will help you avoid costly claims down the road. It will also help extend the life of your home and property. In fact, keeping your home well maintained can actually go a long way in keeping your home insurance costs lower!
As far as your car, boat, motorcycle, and RV are concerned, seasonal maintenance is a must. Whether you’re prepping for seasonal storage or gearing up for use during inclimate weather, some forethought now will help you avoid expensive insurance claims later. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
♦ Your First Steps to Prep for Fall Start Here ♦
1. Inspect Potential Problem Areas
As you prep for Fall, first on your to-do list is inspecting potential problem areas around your house that could be vulnerable to water damage. This includes your pipes, outdoor water faucets, gutters, and roof. Examine each area for signs of damage and tackle any repairs before fall weather sets in!
2. Clear Away Clutter & Look for Air Leaks
Item #2 on our checklist will not only help you avoid expensive home insurance claims, but will also help you save on your energy bill! Clear away clutter around electrical boxes, water tanks, and HVAC units. You should also check window panes, door seals, and thresholds for air leaks.
Prep for Fall & Save
According to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors and crawl spaces. Let our team tackle any “air leaks” in your coverage – start with a quote below!
Now that we’ve covered some proactive steps you can take to prep for fall around your home, let’s dive into some things you can do to prep your car, boat, motorcycle, and RV for this season!
3. Give Your Bike & Gear a Tune-Up
While autumn rides are some of the most scenic, this season also presents a fair share of hazards on the road. That’s why now is the perfect time to upgrade to more protective riding gear, like leather gloves and a heavier jacket. You should also perform preventative maintenance on your bike. This should include changing the oil, checking the chain, belt, shaft, and brakes, and checking your tire pressure.
4. Prep Your Boat
For the most comprehensive fall prep, you should leave your boat winterization to your mechanic. This typically includes a fuel filter and water separator change, a bulb and fuel line checkup, an oil change and filter replacement, water impeller replacement, changing of all fluids, and an engine and battery tuneup. Before handing it off to your mechanic, top off the tank and add a multifunction fuel stabilizer.
5. Show Your Car Some TLC
Even though the weather here in Texas doesn’t have that autumnal chill yet, now is a great time to check your car’s heater and defroster to ensure they’re in good working order. You should also check your windshield wipers and lights, rotate your tires, and change your oil. You may also want to take this time to review your auto insurance for any holes in your coverage.
6. Maintain Your RV Inside & Out
Whether you’re prepping your RV for storage or fall camping trips, now is a good time to clean the inside and outside of your RV. You should also double-check the water holding tanks, and tackle preventative maintenance. This should include changing your oil and oil filters, maintaining your battery, and checking/rotating your tires. While your’re at it, review your RV insurance policy.
♦ Prep for Fall and Beyond ♦
Now that you have a solid checklist to get started, you can rest assured that you’ll stay ahead of whatever surprises Mother Nature throws your way this season. However, if you’re looking for year-round coverage with an insurance team who lives in Texas and understands our unpredictable weather, it’s time to talk to our pros. Give us a call today at (972) 771-2622 or visit our website for a quote from one of our agents.
