A typical concern amongst insureds is that of home blazes, but N.C. residents in particular need not discount the potential perils of water. That's one conclusion Travelers reached after analyzing its homeowners' insurance claim data for the state. Another conclusion: a surprisingly small portion of these water damage stems from inclement weather.

In a recent press release, Travelers said N.C. homes could be as much as “ten times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire.” When examining property claims in the state, the insurer excluded those related to catastrophe and found that damage caused by water accounted for 28 percent of the total claims, compared to a mere three percent for fire.

Moreover, weather caused only five percent of the water-damage claims. This is actually good news for homeowners, as Travelers concluded that much of water-related damages in the region can be prevented with some simple measures and proper maintenance.

Ron Stephens, regional vice president for Travelers, emphasized that it is crucial for homeowners to inspect washing machine hoses, ice maker connections, and the plumbing around water heaters.

In light of this data, Travelers' claim and risk management professionals developed a number straightforward steps designed to help insureds avoid many non-weather-related water problems. In turn, this would ostensibly lower claim frequency and overall expense related to payouts.

Special Reports /

Water, Not Fire, A Common Foe for N.C. Homeowners

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