Your insurance agent wants you to know that these seasonal chores aren’t just about keeping your home cozy—they can also help prevent costly claims. Whether you live in Frederick, Annapolis, or anywhere in the D.C. metro region, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home, review your coverage, and avoid surprises when colder weather sets in.

Here are the top fall home prep tips your insurance agent recommends.

1. Clean Gutters and Check Your Roof. Falling leaves may look pretty, but when they clog your gutters, they can cause water to back up under your shingles and seep into your home. Autumn storms and heavy rains are common; clogged gutters are a leading cause of water damage.

What your insurance agent says: Homeowners insurance may cover sudden water damage, but it doesn’t cover gradual problems caused by neglect. Regular maintenance—like cleaning your gutters and inspecting your roof—helps prevent damage that could lead to an uncovered claim.

Tip: After cleaning, run a hose through your gutters to check for proper drainage. While you’re at it, inspect your roof for missing shingles or loose flashing.

2. Prepare Your Heating System. Cool nights mean furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters are back in use. But if your heating system hasn’t been serviced in a while, it could pose a fire risk. In older homes, outdated systems are especially vulnerable. *** 

What your insurance agent says: Most homeowners' policies cover fire damage, but preventing a fire in the first place is always best. Annual maintenance on your heating system can also extend its life and lower your energy bills.

Tip: Change filters regularly, schedule a furnace inspection, and have your chimney cleaned to avoid chimney fires.

3. Protect Against Frozen Pipes. Maryland winters can vary; early cold snaps are not unusual. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage.

What your insurance agent says: Water damage from burst pipes is typically covered by homeowners' insurance—but only if you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent freezing. If you leave your home unheated or fail to insulate exposed pipes, your claim could be denied.

Tip: Insulate pipes in unheated areas (like basements or garages), and keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F if you’re away.

4. Rake Leaves and Maintain Your Yard. Leaves left on the ground can become slippery hazards when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls on your property. In the D.C. metro area, where foot traffic and visitors are common, maintaining your yard is more than curb appeal—it’s about liability.

What your insurance agent says: Liability coverage in your homeowners policy helps protect you if someone is injured on your property. But regular yard maintenance reduces the chance of an accident—and a potential claim.

Tip: Keep walkways clear, trim back overhanging branches before winter storms, and repair loose railings or cracked sidewalks.

5. Seal Windows and Doors. Drafts around windows and doors don’t just increase your heating bill—they can also lead to water intrusion during heavy fall rains. In Annapolis, with its coastal weather, strong winds often drive rain against windows and doors.

What your insurance agent says: Damage from wind-driven rain may or may not be covered, depending on your policy. Proper maintenance, such as sealing gaps and caulking, can prevent water from entering your home in the first place.

Tip: Walk around your house on a windy day to feel for drafts. Weatherstripping and caulk are simple fixes that make a big difference.

6. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy. As you move into the fall season, your insurance agent recommends reviewing your policy to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Life changes quickly. Have you recently renovated your home? Added valuable personal property? Or maybe your family situation has changed? Any of these could affect the coverage you need.

What your insurance agent says: Meeting with your insurance agent once a year—especially in the fall—ensures your coverage is up to date before winter risks arrive. From liability to property damage, your agent can help you identify gaps and recommend updates.

Tip: Keep an updated inventory of your personal belongings. In the event of a claim, this makes the process much smoother.

Homes in Maryland and the D.C. area face unique seasonal challenges. Frederick homeowners often deal with cold snaps and snow earlier than those in coastal Annapolis, where salt air and storms can damage siding and roofs. And in Washington, D.C., the mix of older homes and heavy foot traffic increases both maintenance and liability concerns.

Your insurance agent understands these local risks and can tailor your homeowners coverage accordingly. By combining proactive fall prep with the right insurance, you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings.

From cleaning gutters to insulating pipes and maintaining your yard, these simple steps reduce the chance of damage or liability claims. And when you sit down with your insurance agent, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your coverage is ready to protect you in every season.

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re proud to serve families and businesses in Frederick, MD., Annapolis, MD., and the Washington, D.C. area. Our local expertise means we understand the risks you face and the coverage you need. Call us at (301) 694-0008.

Ready to review your homeowners' insurance this fall? Contact Lindquist Insurance today and let us help you prepare for the season ahead.

*** For proper maintenance of your HVAC, visit the HVAC for Homeowners website.