Don’t let appliance hoses sink you

Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

There’s a ticking time bomb in your Minnesota home right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Deleski Insurance are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Washing Machine
Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer
Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator
If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.

Gas Grills
At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.  The rule of thumb is “sudden and accidental” for appliance hose losses and water damage.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage we here at Atlas Insurance Brokers – Deleski Agency are happy to help.  Keep an eye on those appliance hoses and save yourself a big headache later.

 

Defensive Driver Discount – save 10% on your auto insurance!

So You Need (or Want) to Take a Defensive Driving Course in Minnesota?
Are you 55 years of age and looking to save some money on your auto insurance?  Why not take a Defensive Driver course and save 10% for three years?

 

But, which is right for you? Here are some tips to help you decide:

 

  1. Search for Defensive Driver courses in your city online or ask your insurance professional to help you find one.  At Deleski Insurance, we are more than happy to help you find a course near you that works with your schedule.

 

  1. Check with your agent.  See if it’s time to take the course again or ask how much of a discount you’ll get if you take it for the first time.  Typically you will receive a 10% discount on your auto insurance for three years.  You may renew the discount again by taking a “refresher course”.

 

  1. Choose the type of course – there are online and classroom options, typically ranging from 4-8 hours depending on the course material. A first-time course will be eight hours, whereas the refresher course will be four hours.  The discount will last for three years from the date you took the course.

 

  1. Determine how much you want to spend.  Is it less expensive to take an online course?  Or do you prefer a classroom setting?  See which one works with your schedule and your budget.

 

Whether you are looking in Minneapolis, Roseville, Shoreview, or St. Paul, taking the Defensive Driver course will lower your premiums and help you remain the responsible driver we, at Atlas Insurance Brokers, know you are!

Storm season

How to Check Your Property for Damage After a Storm

 

When a big storm hits in Roseville, MN or St. Paul, MN, you hunker down inside, relying on your home to protect you and your family. Once that storm passes, though, it’s time to repay the favor — identifying damage and protecting your home from further issues.

 

The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips for homeowners. Here are four major things we, at Atlas Insurance Brokers – Deleski Agency, recommend you check after a storm:

 

  1. Your roof: If you see holes, split seams or missing shingles on your roof or if you notice leaking inside or out, it’s a good idea to have a qualified inspector come assess the situation.

 

  1. Your exterior: Siding, brick and stucco are all vulnerable to storm damage. You’ll want to look for cracking, chipping or dings and dents in siding, and for holes in stucco. Look closely and at different times of the day. Some homeowners don’t notice damage until it’s too late to file a claim, and different lighting can reveal damage you didn’t see before.

 

  1. Driveways and walkways: Cracking and splitting can create safety hazards, as well as reduce the lifespan of the concrete.

 

  1. Trees: According to the National Storm Damage Center, fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage annually. Check roofs, vehicles, fences and machinery for fallen limbs that may have caused damage or could pose a risk. Clean up what you safely can and rely on a reputable tree removal service to handle the rest. Depending on the circumstances, your homeowners insurance policy may help with tree removal and damage repair costs – if you experience a covered loss, that is.

 

A few more helpful tips:

  • Keep trees well maintained and trimmed. Also notify neighbors if you see any overhanging branches on any of theirs.

 

 

  • Know your insurance. Take a look at your policy so you know what’s covered, what your limits and deductibles are, etc. This will prevent any surprises during the claims process. 
  • Take pictures. Photographs can help you show the cause and extent of any storm damage that occurs.

 

Of course, if you’ve suffered through a major storm, don’t hesitate to call us at Atlas Insurance Brokers for help with an insurance claim or with finding a professional property inspector.