By Lauren Dallas, Personal Lines Manager

If you get the sense that the winds are blowing stronger and storms have been getting more intense here in Michigan in recent years, you’re not imagining it.

As unpredictable and intense spring storms become the new normal, homeowners are facing a growing need to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties. With more frequent 40–60 mph wind gusts, hail events, and abrupt weather swings, an ordinary spring afternoon can turn into a high-risk scenario for home and property damage. 

However, the right preparation can not only help avoid catastrophic losses and potentially avoidable insurance claims, it can even help to mitigate rising premium costs as well.

Here are six key strategies we encourage homeowners to consider this spring to “weather-proof” their homes:

1. Tend to Your Roof—Before It's Too Late

Your roof is, in many ways, your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Make sure:

• Shingles are secure and no tiles are lifting or missing.
• Any necessary repairs are completed early, as storms are starting sooner each year.
• Roof replacements are up-to-date, especially if your roof is older than 15 years.

Why it matters: Insurance companies are implementing wind and hail deductibles that are often higher than your standard homeowners deductible. If your roof isn’t in good shape, you could be on the hook for a much larger share of the repair costs—or even have your coverage denied altogether.

2. Trim and Manage Trees Around Your Property

Overhanging limbs and unstable trees are one of the biggest risks during high wind events, and insurers are on the look out for them.

• Cut back any branches touching or hanging over your house.
• Remove dead or leaning trees.
• Avoid parking vehicles under trees.

Why it matters: Some insurers are now using AI during the quoting and renewal processes to examine aerial images of your roof and yard. Trees that pose risks can prevent you from getting coverage—or drive up your premiums.

3. Secure Outdoor Property

Spring storms can turn patio furniture, yard décor, or even leftover winter tools into flying debris. Don’t leave these items unsecured during these especially windy months, when they can turn into hazards at a moment’s notice.

• Tie down or store patio sets, umbrellas, and seasonal decorations.
• Put away snow shovels and other yard tools.
• Keep yards clear of clutter.

Why it matters: Flying debris not only damages your own home—it can injure neighbors or damage their property, opening the door to liability claims.

4. Protect Against Water Damage

Storms often bring heavy rain, and with power outages becoming more common, flooding in basements is a real risk.

• Install a backup battery for your sump pump or invest in a portable generator to keep it running during outages.
• Add Wi-Fi-enabled water sensors under sinks, toilets, or near water heaters to detect early leaks.
• Consider an automatic water shutoff valve, which can detect abnormal water flow and shut off your water supply before major damage occurs.

Why it matters: Many insurers now offer premium discounts for some of these devices—and they can save you thousands by preventing or minimizing water damage. 

Check out this real-life example of a disaster avoided and how a water sensor turned a major catastrophe into a minor annoyance.

5. Have an Electrician Evaluate Your Electrical System

Lightning and power surges are becoming more frequent and destructive. One of our clients recently experienced a lightning strike that blew out part of their basement walls! While you can’t prevent the lightning strike itself, you can take measures to mitigate the damage one does.

• Ensure your electrical panel is updated and capable of absorbing surges.
• Check that your home is properly grounded.
• Consider whole-home surge protectors for added safety.

Why it matters: A well-maintained electrical system can limit damage to a few breakers, while an outdated one can result in total home system failure and extensive insurance claims.

6. Understand Your Policy and What’s Changing at Renewal

Insurance companies are tightening standards:

• Roof condition, tree proximity, and yard debris are now often factored in before an initial or renewal quote is even provided by many carriers.
• Higher deductibles for specific perils, like wind and hail, are becoming more common.
• Proactive maintenance and updates may offer the potential for discounts and help to avoid the worst-case scenario: being denied coverage entirely!

Word to the wise: Consider asking your insurance agent about discounts for storm-resistant upgrades and other preventive tech—many offer incentives for responsible homeowners.

Bottom Line: Safety is a Top Priority

Increased storm activity means increased responsibility for homeowners. Routine maintenance—once considered optional—is now a requirement not just for safety, but for maintaining affordable and effective insurance coverage. From roof repairs and tree trimming to water protection and electrical upgrades, being proactive this spring could save you from massive repair bills and premium hikes later.

Bonus Offer: Enter to Win a Free Water Sensor for Your Home Today!

We feel so strongly about the value of having water sensors in the home, we are giving one away monthly! We have included a monthly water sensor giveaway as part of our popular Referral Rewards program. 

Simply refer a family member or friend to us and you both will receive a Starbucks gift card. But even better, you will be entered into our monthly wireless water leak detector giveaway! (Not to mention, you will also be eligible for our $250 cash drawing at the end of the year!)