Tips to Avoid Costly Insurance Claims

June 20, 2025

From the Experts at MyKey

Disasters don’t knock before they enter—but preparation can help you avoid the worst. At MyKey, we’ve worked with thousands of families displaced by floods, fires, storms, and other emergencies. As a temporary housing provider, we’re often one of the first calls people make after disaster strikes. And while we’re proud to offer safe, comfortable accommodations during tough times, we’ve also seen firsthand the emotional and financial toll home disasters can take.

That’s why we want to share our insider tips on how you can protect your home and avoid costly insurance claims. After all, the best disaster is the one that never happens.

1. Weatherproof Your Property

Mother Nature is unpredictable, but your home doesn’t have to be vulnerable. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Seal windows and doors to prevent water intrusion during storms.

  • Install storm shutters or impact-resistant glass in hurricane-prone areas.

  • Trim trees near your home to reduce the risk of falling branches during wind events.

  • Maintain your roof a loose shingle today can mean thousands in water damage tomorrow.

💡 Tip: Check your gutters regularly. Clogged drains cause flooding in more homes than most people realize.

2. Fire-Proof Where You Can

We’ve helped many families displaced by fire, whether due to wildfires or household accidents. Prevention is key:

  • Install and test smoke alarms monthly.

  • Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home.

  • Avoid overloading outlets and unplug appliances when not in use.

  • If you live in a wildfire-prone area, create defensible space by clearing brush and using fire-resistant landscaping.

🔥 Did you know? Embers can travel up to a mile during wildfires. A well-maintained yard could be your best defense.

3. Don’t Overlook Water Damage

Water is one of the most common—and costly—causes of home insurance claims. To minimize risk:

  • Insulate pipes before winter to avoid freezing and bursting.

  • Install water leak detectors under sinks, near your water heater, and behind appliances.

  • Check your sump pump regularly if you have one—especially during rainy seasons.

💧 A slow leak can cause mold growth and structural damage long before it’s visible. Early detection is crucial.

4. Document Everything for Insurance

Even with the best precautions, disasters can happen. Prepare for the worst by making your insurance process as smooth as possible:

  • Take photos or videos of your home and possessions once a year.

  • Keep receipts for major purchases—especially electronics, appliances, and furniture.

  • Store your inventory in a digital file backed up to the cloud or an external drive.

📁 We’ve seen claims delayed by months simply because homeowners couldn’t prove what they owned.

5. Review Your Insurance Coverage Regularly

You might think you're covered—until you need to file a claim. We recommend:

  • Reviewing your policy limits and deductibles annually.

  • Asking your agent if you’re covered for earthquakes, floods, or wildfires (many standard policies don’t).

  • Considering loss of use coverage, which pays for temporary housing if you’re displaced—something we know a lot about.

🛏️ Many of our guests didn’t realize until it was too late that their policies had limits on housing expenses. Don’t be caught off guard.

When Disaster Strikes, We’re Here to Help

While we hope you never need us, MyKey is here if disaster displaces you from your home. We work directly with insurance providers to place families in high-quality, short-term housing—fast. Our mission is to help you recover with dignity and comfort, one night at a time.

Protect your home today, and rest a little easier knowing we’re here if tomorrow doesn’t go as planned.

Need Temporary Housing?

Contact MyKey today to learn more about our services for homeowners and insurance partners.

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