As the leaves start to change and cooler days roll in, fall gives us the perfect reminder to slow down, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. While many of us look forward to cozy sweaters, football season, and pumpkin spice everything, fall is also the time to make sure your home, car, and insurance are ready for the season.
At StreetSmart Risk Managers, we’ve seen it all—from unexpected storm claims to policies that didn’t quite cover what families thought they would. So, let’s walk through some smart ways to prepare this fall.
At Home: Small Fixes, Big Savings
Check your roof & gutters: Did you know clogged gutters are one of the top reasons for water damage claims in the fall? Leaves and debris can lead to leaks that your standard policy may not fully cover if negligence is proven.
Want to see these tips in action? Watch Carlo and his son walk through simple fall prep steps you can do this weekend, here!
Seal up drafts: Cracks around doors and windows don’t just raise your heating bill—they can also lead to frozen pipes later on. A little caulking now can save a big headache (and deductible) later.
Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors: More house fires happen in the fall and winter months due to heating equipment. Make sure your devices are working—it’s an easy safety win.
Funny Fact: Americans spend more on pumpkin spice lattes in September than they do on home maintenance that same month. Don’t let a $6 latte cost you a $6,000 repair.
On the Road: Fall Driving Hazards
Slippery leaves = slick roads: Wet leaves can be just as dangerous as ice. Insurance claims spike in fall because drivers underestimate stopping distances.
Shorter days, more deer: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fall is peak season for deer collisions. Comprehensive coverage is what protects you here—not liability.
Check your car’s emergency kit: A blanket, flashlight, and jumper cables are simple must-haves. Most people forget these until they’re stranded.
Common Mistake: Many drivers assume their liability coverage helps with storm or animal damage—it doesn’t. That’s what comprehensive coverage is for. Without it, that run-in with a deer could leave you with thousands in repair costs.
Insurance Check-Up: Don’t Fall for These Gaps
Homeowners: Standard policies don’t cover flood damage. Fall storms can cause unexpected flooding even outside “flood zones.” Double-check if you need a separate flood policy.
Renters: Many renters believe their landlord’s insurance covers their belongings—it doesn’t. Fall is the season of stolen packages and fire hazards; renters insurance is often less than $20/month.
Life & Disability: With school, holidays, and the year-end rush, many families put off reviewing their life insurance. But fall is a great time to confirm your loved ones are financially protected.
Funny Insurance Fact: In a nationwide survey, nearly 40% of homeowners thought flood insurance was included in their standard policy. Spoiler: it’s not
Seasonal Best Practices
This year, try adding these to your fall checklist:
- Schedule a coverage review—it takes 15 minutes and can save thousands in surprises.
- Set up EFT (electronic funds transfer) to avoid lapses in coverage when life gets busy.
- Ask about bundling discounts—fall is renewal season for many policies, which makes it the perfect time to maximize savings.
The Fun Side of Fall
The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed 2,749 pounds—that’s heavier than some cars!
Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall… which means one glorious “extra hour” of sleep.
Fall is peak season for “candle fires.” Consider flameless candles if you’re decorating for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Final Thought
Preparing for fall isn’t just about cozy blankets and pumpkin patches. It’s about protecting your family, your home, and your financial future from the unexpected. A few small steps today—checking coverage, sealing drafts, reviewing deductibles—can prevent major headaches tomorrow.
At StreetSmart, we’re here to guide you through the season with peace of mind.
Ready for a fall coverage review? Contact us today, and let’s make sure you’re fully protected before the leaves fall.