Spring is a season of renewal, and for many, that means home renovations, road construction, and major infrastructure projects. Whether you’re upgrading your home or navigating detours and potholes, it’s important to understand how these seasonal changes can impact your home and auto insurance coverage.
How Home Renovations Affect Your Insurance
A fresh coat of paint or new landscaping might not require any changes to your home insurance, but larger renovations—like adding an extension, finishing a basement, or upgrading electrical and plumbing systems—can impact your coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
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Increased Home Value = Increased Coverage Needs
Major renovations can increase the value of your home, which means your current policy may not fully cover the new rebuild cost. If you’ve added square footage or upgraded key systems, it’s a good idea to update your home insurance to reflect those changes.
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Temporary Vacancies Can Affect Coverage
If your home is unoccupied for more than 30 days due to construction, some policies may not cover damages during that period. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to ensure you have the right protection in place.
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Contractor Coverage Matters
If you’re hiring a contractor, ensure they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If they don’t and an accident happens on your property, you could be held financially responsible.
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Protecting Against Theft and Damage
Construction zones can be a target for theft or vandalism. Storing materials in a locked, secure area and verifying your policy covers theft of building materials can help prevent unexpected losses.
How Road Construction Affects Auto Insurance
Spring construction doesn’t just impact homeowners—it also creates challenges for drivers. Detours, potholes, and construction zones can lead to higher risks of accidents and vehicle damage. Here’s how to stay protected:
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Pothole Damage & Your Policy
Potholes can wreak havoc on your tires, suspension, and alignment. While collision coverage may cover pothole damage, standard liability insurance typically won’t. If you frequently drive on rough roads, check your policy to ensure you have the right protection.
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Increased Risk of Accidents
Construction zones mean sudden lane changes, reduced speed limits, and more distractions. If you’re involved in an accident in a work zone, your insurance will cover you based on your policy type—but be mindful of penalties for speeding or reckless driving, which could increase your premiums.
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Windshield Damage & Road Debris
Loose gravel and flying debris from construction sites can crack windshields and damage vehicle exteriors. Comprehensive coverage often helps with windshield repairs or replacements, so make sure you have it included in your policy.
How to Stay Covered This Spring
1. If you’re renovating, notify your insurer – Ensuring your policy reflects your home’s updated value prevents gaps in coverage.
2. Verify contractor insurance – Always hire licensed, insured professionals to avoid liability risks.
3. Review your auto policy – Make sure you have collision and comprehensive coverage to protect against potholes, road debris, and construction zone accidents.
4. Drive carefully in work zones – Staying alert and following reduced speed limits helps prevent accidents and keeps your premiums low.
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Spring is a time of change, and whether you’re upgrading your home or navigating construction-heavy roads, your insurance should keep up with your needs. By staying proactive and ensuring you have the right coverage, you can avoid unexpected costs and protect what matters most.
Need to update your coverage? If you’re planning renovations or want to review your auto insurance, our team is here to help! Contact us today to ensure you’re fully protected this spring.
