If you’ve been shopping for homeowners insurance in California, you may have come across a term you’re not familiar with: Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance—also known as E&S insurance. While it’s traditionally been used for high-risk or hard-to-insure properties, a growing number of California homeowners with standard homes are now ending up with E&S policies.

Why? It’s not because their homes necessarily carry a high risk, but because California’s admitted insurance market is volatile with the exit of many traditional insurers. In this blog, we’ll break down what E&S insurance is, why it’s becoming more common in California, and what you need to know as a homeowner navigating today’s evolving insurance market.

What is Excess and Surplus Lines (E&S) Insurance?
Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance is a category of property insurance for homes or risks that admitted insurance companies decline to cover. E&S carriers are considered non-admitted insurers, meaning they operate under specific regulations different from admitted insurers.

Historically, E&S was used to insure unique homes, high-risk properties, or special circumstances—like beachfront mansions, historic homes, or homes in wildfire zones. But now, many homeowners with relatively standard homes are turning to E&S coverage simply because fewer admitted carriers are writing policies in California.

Why Are So Many California Homeowners Being Moved to E&S Insurance?
Over the past few years, California’s home insurance market has been under stress. A combination of rising wildfire risks, climate-related disasters, and insurance regulation challenges has made it difficult for traditional insurance companies (admitted carriers) to offer new homeowners policies.

That’s left thousands of homeowners across the state—many of them with no unusual risks—with no choice but to secure a non-admitted E&S policy.

Common reasons include:

  • Limited availability from admitted insurers in certain ZIP codes
  • Insurance non-renewals due to wildfire exposure or rising reinsurance costs
  • Restricted new business in high-risk or even moderate-risk regions

So even if your home is “standard,” you may still need an E&S policy due to California’s current insurance market conditions.

What’s the Difference Between Admitted and Non-Admitted (E&S) Insurance?
Understanding the difference between admitted vs. non-admitted insurance is key when choosing a policy.

A common misconception is that E&S insurance is “unregulated.” While it’s true that E&S carriers are not subject to the same filing and pricing restrictions, they are still regulated through surplus lines laws and must meet strict financial solvency requirements.

Why Choose an E&S Policy in California?
Given the lack of admitted insurance options, E&S coverage may be your only path to insuring your home—and that’s okay. Today’s E&S policies are often comparable to admitted ones in terms of coverage, especially when arranged by a knowledgeable insurance broker.

Here are some key benefits of E&S homeowners insurance:

  • ✅ Access to insurance when admitted carriers are unavailable
  • ✅ Customizable coverage for properties with specific needs or higher value
  • ✅ Faster policy creation without the delays of state approval requirements

Common Concerns About E&S Home Insurance
If you’re new to the concept of E&S insurance, you might have concerns like:

  • “Is E&S insurance safe?”
    • Yes. While it’s not backed by a state guaranty fund, reputable E&S carriers must meet financial stability standards and are regulated under state surplus lines laws.
  • “What if the E&S insurer goes bankrupt?”
    • That’s why it’s important to work with brokers who only partner with financially secure carriers, typically those with strong AM Best ratings.
  • “Will my policy be different from a standard one?”
    • E&S policies can be very similar to admitted policies in coverage, but they also offer greater flexibility—which can be helpful for homes with unique features or values.

Is E&S Insurance Only for California?
While California is currently facing the most severe challenges in the homeowners insurance market, other states are also beginning to experience similar limitations. For example, Texas is seeing increased demand for E&S options, and future insurance offerings in that state may also be issued on an E&S basis.

That said, this blog is most relevant to California homeowners navigating the shift toward non-admitted coverage.

Need Help Navigating E&S Insurance in California?
Understanding your options can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to protect your home and family. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and work with experts who know the ins and outs of California’s home insurance market. That’s where Bamboo comes in – we’re in California for good with both admitted and non-admitted capacity. Click here to start your California homeowners insurance quote now.

Bamboo Insurance is proud to offer enhanced home safety by providing Whisker Labs’ Ting fire prevention sensors and service for free to eligible customers. Ting helps protect families, pets, and homes from devastating electrical fires by detecting and addressing hidden electrical hazards before they escalate. This year, Bamboo Insurance will provide Ting at no cost to at least 5,000 Bamboo Insurance policyholders, strengthening their commitment to protecting what matters most.

“Providing peace of mind is at the heart of everything we do” said John Chu, Bamboo Insurance CEO. “By offering Ting fire prevention at no cost to our policyholders, we’re taking proactive steps to help prevent home fires before they start. It’s not only a wise business decision, but more importantly, it is an investment the reinforces our commitment to customer safety.”

Ting is an innovative plug-in sensor and fire prevention service that monitors for hidden hazards that lead to electrical fires within a home’s wiring, devices, and utility equipment. If a hazard is detected, Ting alerts the homeowner and leads them through every repair step. Beyond fire prevention, Ting also provides real-time alerts for power outages and even provides assistance for frozen pipe prevention as part of its commitment to helping keep families safe and informed.

Bamboo Insurance is the latest insurer to adopt Ting, joining a fast-growing group embracing this proactive technology to reduce risk and improve customer safety. Ting has a strong track record—preventing 4 out of 5 home fires—and is already protecting over 1 million homes, having helped more than 18,000 customers avoid potentially catastrophic fires.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bamboo Insurance to bring Ting to even more homes,” shared Bob Marshall, Whisker Labs Co-Founder and CEO. “Our mission is clear: to proactively reduce the risk of home fires and deliver safety alerts that provide real value to homeowners. This partnership not only helps keep families safe but also strengthens the relationship between customers, their insurance providers, and agents by offering a preventative, technology-driven solution.”

To be eligible for this offer, customer must have an active homeowners policy placed through Bamboo Insurance, provided such policy is not for a tenant-occupied property and does not have a Difference in Conditions endorsement. Interested members can check full eligibility requirements and enroll online. Eligible customers will receive a free Ting sensor, the Ting app, 3 years of free fire prevention service, and a $1,000 credit for labor repair costs of Ting-identified hazards.

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About Bamboo Insurance
Bamboo Insurance is a modern, customer-focused insurance provider dedicated to simplifying the insurance experience. With a technology-driven approach, Bamboo Insurance leverages data and innovative solutions to offer personalized coverage that meets the unique needs of each customer. Committed to transparency and exceptional customer service, Bamboo makes it easy to understand, manage, and customize insurance policies. Through efficient processes and a user-friendly digital platform, Bamboo Insurance is transforming the way people think about and interact with their insurance.
For more information, visit www.bambooinsurance.com.
Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services (Bamboo) is Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046; CA License #0M31082.

About Whisker Labs
Whisker Labs develops cutting-edge sensor technology to protect families, homes, and communities by predicting and helping prevent electrical fires while also monitoring the resiliency and safety of the U.S. electrical grid. Through a single, DIY sensor plugged into a wall outlet, Ting, Whisker Labs’ flagship solution  enables intelligent detection, localization, and mitigation of hazards before they can start a fire. As one of the fastest growing grid IoT networks, Ting is proven to prevent 80% of electrical fires, reducing home fire losses and saving lives across the U.S. every day. For more information, please visit www.whiskerlabs.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.

 

Choosing the perfect gift can be challenging, but we’ve got you more than covered! Whether it’s for someone new to their property or a long-time resident, the right gift can make a lasting impact by combining thoughtfulness with practicality. This holiday season, let the spirit of “Peace on Earth” translate into peace of mind with gifts that enhance safety, convenience, and comfort at home.

Here are 9 must-have gifts for homeowners that blend function with flair, ensuring a stress-free and secure living environment:

  1. Smart/Connected Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors ($$)Why we suggest it:
    • Instant Notifications: Receive alerts directly to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.
    • Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly connects with other smart devices.
    • Dual Detection: Monitors both smoke and CO2, offering added safety.
    • Insurance Benefits: Potential discounts on homeowners insurance.
  2. Connected Home Security System ($-$$$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Crime Deterrence: A visible security system can prevent break-ins.
    • Remote Monitoring: Monitor your home from anywhere via your phone or tablet.
    • Emergency Assistance: Automatic notifications to medical or police services in case of an emergency.
    • Smart Alerts: Receive instant updates on unusual activity.
    • Risk Reduction: Early detection of potential threats like fire, break-ins, or even plumbing issues.
    • Insurance Benefits: Potential discounts on homeowners insurance.
  3. Connected Water Sensor with Automatic Water Shut-Off ($$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Prevent Property Damage: Detect water leaks early to avoid costly damage.
    • Potential Savings: Help reduce water bills by detecting leaks quickly.
    • Health Benefits: Prevent mold or mildew growth by stopping leaks at the source.
    • Increase Property Value: Smart home features are attractive to potential buyers.
    • Insurance Perks: Potential discounts on homeowners insurance.
  4. Smart/Connected Gas Leak Detector ($-$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Instant Notifications: Alerts you to gas leaks, preventing potential danger.
    • Precise Leak Location: Identifies the exact spot of the leak.
    • Automated Safety: Some models can automatically shut off gas supply in case of a detected leak.
    • Smart Home Integration: Works with other devices in your home for comprehensive safety.
    • Insurance Perks: Potential discounts on homeowners insurance.
  5. Smart/Connected Thermostat ($-$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Energy Efficiency: Adjusts temperature settings based on occupancy and time of day, helping save on energy costs.
    • Remote Control: Manage your home’s temperature from anywhere via your smartphone.
    • Risk Reduction: Helps prevent frozen pipes and other temperature-related issues.
    • Insurance Perks: Potential discounts on homeowners insurance.
  6. Surge Protector ($)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Risk Reduction: Protects electronics and appliances from power surges caused by storms or electrical issues.
    • Affordable and Effective: A budget-friendly gift with long-term benefits.
    • Prevents Damage: Safeguards valuable gadgets and home systems.
  7. Fireproof Safe ($-$$$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Protect Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuable items safe from theft or fire.
    • Peace of Mind: Secure storage for everything that matters most, especially in the event of a disaster.
    • Variety of Sizes: Choose from small, personal safes or larger options for family heirlooms.
  8. Connected Video Doorbell ($-$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Enhanced Security: View and interact with visitors from anywhere via your smartphone.
    • Smart Integration: Pairs with your home security system and other smart devices.
    • Remote Monitoring: Receive alerts when someone is at your door, even if you’re not home.
    • Insurance Benefits: Potential for discounts on homeowner’s insurance with added security features.
  9. Smart Door Locks ($-$$)
    Why we suggest it:

    • Increased Security: Keyless entry ensures no one can “pick” your lock.
    • Remote Access: Lock or unlock doors from anywhere—great for managing access for guests or service personnel.
    • Convenience: Eliminate the need for physical keys, reducing the risk of losing them.

These thoughtful and practical gifts go beyond just making life easier—they enhance the safety and security of a home, reduce risk, and may even lower insurance premiums. Whether you’re gifting to a first-time homeowner or someone who’s been in their home for years, these items are sure to make a lasting impact.

Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday season, and help your loved ones safeguard their homes and everything inside.

Phyn, the leader in intelligent water solutions, today announced that it is joining forces with Bamboo, a property and casualty insurance organization that prioritizes simplicity, transparency, and savings, to protect homes from water-related loss and help address the challenges California residents face in securing dependable homeowners insurance. The partnership offers eligible Bamboo policyholders a 10% discount* on insurance premiums for homeowners who install Phyn Plus and a 15% discount on the Phyn product suite.

In a landscape where California’s insurance market is experiencing unprecedented challenges with many insurers leaving the state, many homeowners face limited options and higher costs. Bamboo has stepped up to ensure Californians can secure reliable and affordable homeowners insurance. Phyn’s solutions protect a home’s plumbing system to prevent leaks and ensure it is watertight while empowering homeowners to conserve and avoid unnecessary water loss.

“With our roots in California, Phyn is proud to partner with Bamboo as they double down on their commitment to the state and continue to offer Californians quality insurance options while empowering them with the tools to protect their homes from unnecessary water damage and reduce water loss,” said Ryan Kim, CEO, Phyn.

“At Bamboo, we’re committed to continually innovating and finding solutions to ensure we deliver an insurance experience that puts our customers first, even in a high-risk environment,” added Brian Suzuki, Bamboo Insurance Chief Insurance Officer. “We’re excited to partner with Phyn to offer its cutting-edge smart water solutions, providing an option to our policyholders that protects their homes from water damage and conserves water, while continuing to be a solid option for Californians struggling to find reasonable coverage.”

As part of the partnership, Bamboo policyholders will get the opportunity to save on their homeowners policy, as well as save 15% on Phyn’s portfolio of smart water solutions including:

  • Phyn Plus: Installed on a single location on the main water line, Phyn Plus is a powerful smart water monitor that protects homes from leak damage with unmatched accuracy and reliability and provides detailed insights into water use to help conserve and save. If it detects abnormally high water flow in your home, Phyn Plus will automatically shut off the water to mitigate costly damage.
  • Phyn Smart Water Assistant: Self-installed under a sink, the DIY Phyn Smart Water Assistant monitors the water in your entire home to automatically alert you the second a leak is detected, and provide detailed insights into how each fixture in your home uses water.
  • Phyn Smart Water Sensor: The puck-sized Phyn Smart Water Sensor is engineered to provide fast, early detection alerts when a leak starts or weather conditions push water into the home. As the first line of defense, the moment water comes in contact with the sensor, a notification is sent directly to your phone, the device starts flashing, and an audible alarm is triggered. When combined with Phyn Plus, it can automatically shut off the water, delivering added convenience and peace of mind.

For more information about the exclusive Phyn discounts available to Bamboo policyholders, please visit here. And explore how Phyn is reducing losses and improving homeowner protection here.

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Read the full press release here. 

 

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of wildfires. In 2023, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported more than 55,000 wildfires burning 2.7 million acres across the United States*. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, being prepared is crucial. Luckily, we have some tips to help you get started. 

Here are steps to potentially reduce the spread of flames toward your home:

  • Create a defensible space: Establish a clear zone between your home and any nearby grass, trees, shrubs, or wild-land areas. This buffer can significantly slow down or halt the progress of a wildfire. 
  • Remove potential hazards: Regularly clear debris from your roof, gutters, and yard to minimize fuel for fires. 
  • Prepare your home: Upgrade your home with features like vulcan vents, gutter guards, and fire-resistant windows and doors to enhance its ability to withstand wildfires. 
  • Check your landscaping: Maintain well-pruned trees, keep shrubs away from your house, and opt for fire-resistant plants when landscaping around your property.

Additional resources: 

Questions about wildfire in relation to your Bamboo homeowners policy? Reach out to your Bamboo Sales Advocate today. 

 

*Source: disasterphilanthropy.org 

We know what some of you are thinking – earthquake insurance is one of those unnecessary coverages that you’ll pay for, but probably won’t end up using. We’re here to shake that thinking up (pun intended). If you’re in an area that’s prone to earthquakes or has experienced an earthquake in the past few decades, it’s worth it to look into getting earthquake insurance. Earthquakes can cause intense damage, costing thousands of dollars. In fact, a report conducted in 2023 by the U.S. Geological Survey and FEMA estimates that earthquake damage costs the U.S. $14.7 billion dollars annually – an increase of 140% over the previous estimate from 2017.*

What is earthquake insurance, and what does it cover? 

Earthquake insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed specifically for covering the cost and repairs of damage caused by earthquakes (since your standard homeowners won’t).  Earthquake insurance coverage ranges from structural damage to your home (e.g., your roof, damaged walls, etc.) to replacement of personal property (e.g., your furniture, appliances, etc.). If you need to find a temporary place to stay, it can also help to cover those expenses. Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-policy-covers-all type of insurance, so make sure you run through the details of exactly what your specific earthquake insurance policy covers with your agent. 

Why do I need earthquake insurance? I have a homeowners policy. 

Your homeowners policy will cover many things; but one thing it doesn’t cover is damage to your home, structures, and personal property caused by earth movement (i.e., an earthquake). If your home is in an earthquake-prone area, we highly recommend looking into obtaining earthquake insurance. Good news! Our Bamboo Insurance Agency can help with finding options for you. 

What factors impact the cost of earthquake insurance? 

When obtaining earthquake insurance, your location, the cost of rebuilding your home, and risk tolerance are considered. All these factors impact the cost.  

Does my renters insurance cover earthquakes? 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Renters insurance is great for covering situations like vandalism, theft, fire, and other events; however, it generally doesn’t cause damage directly caused by earthquakes. 

Which one is better to have? Homeowners/renters or earthquake? 

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you should look at obtaining both. Let’s say an earthquake causes a fire, and that fire causes damage to your home. In that situation, your homeowners or renters insurance policy would come in for the save. However, if the earthquake directly causes damage to your home, that’s when that earthquake insurance would really come in handy. 

Looking to learn more and potentially get earthquake coverage? 

Connect with one of our experienced Bamboo Agents 👉 Contact Us Page

 

*Source: temblor.net

Damage to the home caused by water is one of the costliest and most stressful situations homeowners deal with. Even worse? Most homeowners don’t even know they had a leak to start. The impact of water damage can result in way more than just wet floors – like potential mold growth over time, broken pipes, damaged walls, and destruction of your home’s structural integrity. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 14,000 people nationwide are impacted daily from water damage.  

When it comes to a leak, it’s critical to get the leak stopped and water dried up within the first 24 hours to avoid the growth of mold. The good news is that there are options for systems, like an automatic water shut off system, to keep you aware of any leaks in your home that will even shut off your water to prevent excessive damage. Even better? We’ve partnered up with Phyn, a trusted provider of property and water protection systems, to make it easy to find your ideal one.   

The Phyn Plus system includes a water shut-off mechanism that leverages advanced machine learning and AI to accurately alert you the moment a leak is detected and if needed, will automatically shut off your water. The result? The avoidance of extreme damage done to your property and the costly fixes that come with it. We’ll just go ahead and add this cherry on top: When you purchase a Phyn Plus through us, you’ll get 15% off the system. Wait, it gets better: Phyn will let us know once you’ve installed it and we’ll apply 10% off your Bamboo homeowner policy’s premium**. 

To learn more and get your Phyn Plus, visit this link.

About Phyn 

Since Phyn’s start, they’ve shown unwavering dedication to improving users’ health, well-being, and communities by strengthening their relationship with water. Their mission is to create the best technology for a more sustainable relationship with water by reducing loss and protecting property and life on the only known planet to support humanity. Learn more about them by visiting phyn.com/pages/mission. 

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Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services (Bamboo) is Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046; CA License #0M31082. Products and services are provided by Phyn, LCC, or its independent contractors and not Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services, LLC (“Bamboo”). Bamboo has no relationship with any of Phyn LLC’s independent contractors. Selection of Phyn, LLC, and/or an independent contractor is solely the decision of the eligible policyholder. Bamboo makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, concerning Phyn, LLC, its independent contractors, Phyn Plus, or any other products or services provided by or on behalf of any of the foregoing. Please speak with your independent agent to learn about Bamboo’s coverage products. Products vary by jurisdiction, terms, and conditions and are provided by Bamboo and its insurer affiliates. Details at https://bambooinsurance.com. **Discount is available only to Bamboo homeowners’ policyholders (HO3 + E&S) in California.

It’s official, spring is here! And what better season than this one to get some tasks around the home checked off the to-do list? Compiled below are some tasks that not only feel good to get done but could also protect your home against any potential mishaps that result in costly damages. 

  • Change air filters: With spring comes pollen, and for those of us with allergies, having clean, high-efficiency air filters can help trap not only the pollen in the air, but also the dust and airborne particles. On top of that, you’re supporting your HVAC system’s longevity by regularly swapping out those filters (we’re talkin’ every 90 days). 
  • Clean your dryer vent: This may not seem too important, but regularly cleaning out your dyer’s lint filter could prevent clogs that reduce your dryer’s efficiency. Even more serious? Dirty dryer vents are a leading cause of domestic dryer fires, according to the US Fire Administration. (Source: architecturaldigest.com) 
  • Clean those hard-to-reach areas: When was the last time you moved your couch and vacuumed underneath? We thought so. The good news, spring’s a great time do that.  
  • Change batteries: Household items that are battery-operated, like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, could probably use a new set. Instead of waiting for them to run out of juice, go ahead and swap those batteries out so you’re set for the season. 
  • Check your hoses: And we don’t mean the ones outside. Your washing machine hoses rupturing could create huge problems that cost a whole lot of money. Go ahead and check those to ensure there are no leaks or swelling, and if you’re feeling fancy, swap out any rubber hoses with braided hoses for more durability and longevity. 

Our final tip? Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is exactly what you need. Start your personalized quote right here. 

For this article, we’re taking it from the home maintenance experts and our trusted home warranty partner, Super Home Warranty.

If house slippers have become more of a necessity than a nice-to-have, you might want to think about what’s creating the extra chill (and we don’t mean that in a relaxing way). Before you touch that thermostat, check the gaps around doors and windows to see if you’re losing out on heat because of worn weatherstripping (or lack thereof). The solution? Installing new weatherstripping to keep your home toasty (and your bank account happy). (PSA: Weatherstripping is for the sides and top of doors and swing-out windows. Slide-up windows are pre-sealed.)

According to Super Home Warranty, take the following steps to get your home’s heating back in check:

1. Check for air leaks to find out where you need new weatherstripping. Put your hand over the edge of a door or window. Does it feel colder than the rest of the surface? You should probably weatherstrip there. You can also light a candle or incense stick and place it in front of the space between the door/window and its frame. If you see the flame flicker, you’ve got unwanted air flow.

2. Choose new weatherstripping. You basically have three options, but we’re skipping ultra-expensive compression strips and V-type weatherstripping this time. They’re durable, which is great, but they’re also hard to install correctly. Do yourself a favor and just opt for self-adhesive strips instead. They’re cheaper, come in rolled-up strips and don’t need to be nailed in (read: less damage to your doors and windows). Cons? You’ll need to swap them out after a few years.

3. Measure your frame. Grab your measuring tape and measure the width of the frame where the adhesive strips will go. This is the small ledge where the door or window meets the frame. (It’ll face outward if the door or window swings out and vice versa.) Don’t forget to measure the length too so you know how much weatherstripping to buy.

4. Get new weatherstripping. Head over to your local hardware store with pictures of the doors/windows you’d like to seal — closed is best, with a focus on the space between the doors/windows and their frames. Find weatherstripping that’s roughly as thick as the gap. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but you do need the doors and windows to close.

5. Remove old weatherstripping, especially if it came with the house. Many houses come pre-weatherstripped. If yours came with compression or V-type weatherstripping, use the claw of a hammer to remove the nails. If you’ve got the self-adhesive variety, just peel it away.

6. Cut the new weatherstripping to the length of the frame. Measure the length of the door/window you want to weatherstrip from the top of the frame to the bottom. Give yourself an extra inch so you can really get into those corners and snip, snip, snip.

7. Clean the frame. Grab a paper towel or washcloth, coat it in soapy water and clean the door or window frame. You don’t want any dust preventing the adhesive on the weatherstripping from sticking.

8. Apply the weatherstripping. Peel as you apply so the strip doesn’t get stuck to itself or something else you don’t want it stuck to. Once you’re done with both sides and the top, close the door or window for half an hour to let the adhesive set. Go make yourself a snack. You earned it.

Pro Tip: Want to seal the bottom of your door as well? Grab a door sweep from your local hardware store — these metal sweeps with rubber bottoms attach to the bottom of your door with screws and create a seal between the door and the floor.

Check out Super Home Warranty’s original article here!

Source: Super Home Warranty

Winter temps are coming in [not so] hot. With the cold air comes the potential for ice and snow, and it’s critical for not only the longevity of your home’s life, but for your safety, to make sure your house is ready to take it all on. That’s why we’ve pulled together some tips for you that will have you saying, “Bring it on, winter”. 

Insulation, insulation, and more insulation: The chilly air creeps in and cools down your house (ya know, the opposite of what you want), which then cranks up your heater – ultimately increasing the amount on your monthly heating bill. Having your pipes, attic, and crawl space sufficiently insulated helps to block out cold air and keep your house at the temp you want it without your heater putting in overtime. Hello, potential savings and cozy winter nights.  

Chimney and fireplace: Whether your fireplace runs on wood or gas, have a professional come check it out before you fire it up. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (via consumerreports.com), “fireplaces, chimneys, and heating equipment are some of the biggest causes of home fires”. Having a professional inspect yours could potentially help to avoid any mishaps. 

Trees and tree limbs: Mature trees are beautiful. The damage that their dead limbs can cause is not. Have a trusted tree service come out and inspect the surrounding trees for any branches that might not get along well with ice or snow. 

Outdoor water devices: Those spigots and sprinklers sure do come in handy for most of the other seasons, but in winter, there’s the potential for them to cause quite some chaos if not properly drained. Make sure you drain and store any hoses and/or sprinklers, and open outdoor spigots to drain trapped water prior to the first freeze. Contact your local plumber for tips (or help)! 

Homeowners insurance: We’ve got you on this one! If you want to level up on your homeowners coverage, get started today right here.