How Does the Hot Oklahoma Weather Affect Home Insurance?

We're seeing some extreme heat these days in the Sooner state. With most of July to come, and August waiting in the wings, we have a lot of hot days ahead of us. 
Oklahoma City, do your best to stay cool while giving some thought to how this heat not only affects your comfort, but potentially your home insurance as well. 

Hot weather can have a significant impact on home insurance policies. Insurance providers may consider properties at a higher risk of damage due to hotter temperatures, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

This can potentially leave homeowners at risk of financial ruin if they do not find suitable coverage. Consequently, homeowners who frequently make claims related to hot weather issues may face challenges in obtaining coverage.

Insurance providers may refuse to cover properties with a history of heat-related claims or increase their premiums. 

Below, we identify a few increased risk situations for you awareness to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

Increased Risk of Structural Damage

One of the main risks associated with hot weather is the potential for structural damage to homes.

Heat exposure can lead to the expansion or contraction of building materials, such as wood, brick, and steel. This can cause cracks in walls and foundations, window frames to warp, and roof tiles to come loose.

It is essential to address these issues promptly as they can result in further damage if left unchecked. Additionally, extreme temperatures can also contribute to mold growth inside homes due to trapped moisture .

Increased Risk of Fire Damage

Heat waves and hot weather can also increase the risk of fire damage. Higher temperatures and dry conditions can make it easier for a fire to spread, leading to more extensive damage.
Higher temperatures can also cause electrical and wiring issues in homes, resulting in the risk of an electrical fire. Faulty wiring can create an arc or spark that could ignite flammable materials.

Similarly, air conditioners that are not properly maintained may become clogged with dust and debris and fail to function correctly, leading to overheating and a potential fire hazard.
Outside of these maintenance items, it is important to take extra care when using any open flames or combustible materials such as barbecues, campfires, cigarettes, etc., during periods of extreme heat.

Increased Risk of Storm Damage

Hot weather can significantly increase the risk of storm damage, impacting home insurance policies. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and thunderstorms, can lead to heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and wind damage. These climate risks often cause substantial flood risk and damage to homes.

As a result, homeowners must ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect against storm damage and potential financial ruin. Standard home insurance policies may not cover flood damage, so it is crucial to consider additional insurance options. The National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage for properties at risk of flooding.

To mitigate storm damage, homeowners can take several measures. Regular maintenance, such as fixing loose roofing and clearing drainages, will help prevent water damage. Securing outdoor furniture and adhering to building codes can also minimize the risk of property damage.

Also, properties located in flood-prone regions may require separate flood insurance due to the risk of flooding associated with extreme weather events. The frequency and severity of these weather-related incidents linked to hot weather can lead to higher insurance costs.

Insurance providers evaluate the risk rating of properties at the time of purchase. Higher risk areas with warmer weather may have higher insurance rates, reflecting the increased likelihood of storm damage. It is essential for homeowners to review and update their insurance coverage to adequately protect against the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Increased Risk of Water Damage

Hot weather can significantly increase the risk of water damage to homes, making it important for homeowners to understand the potential consequences and take necessary precautions.

One of the primary concerns during hot weather is the increased likelihood of burst pipes. Higher temperatures can put additional strain on plumbing systems, causing older or weakened pipes to crack or burst. This can lead to severe water damage, posing a threat to both the structure of the home and its contents.

To minimize the risk of burst pipes and subsequent water damage, homeowners should take preventative measures. Insulating pipes, particularly in vulnerable areas such as basements and attics, can help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce the likelihood of freezing or bursting.

Additionally, ensuring proper irrigation and drainage systems can prevent water buildup around the property, minimizing the chances of flooding and subsequent damage.
As the risk of water damage increases in hot weather, homeowners should consider the need for additional coverage in their insurance policies.

Standard home insurance policies may not cover certain types of water damage caused by burst pipes or flooding, necessitating the purchase of separate flood insurance.

By understanding the potential risks and consulting with their insurance provider, homeowners can ensure they have adequate coverage in the event of water damage caused by hot weather conditions.

Increased Wildfire Risk in Hot, Dry Conditions

Hot and dry conditions pose an increased risk of wildfires, which can have devastating effects on homes and properties. As such, homeowners must be aware of this risk and implement strategies to mitigate potential damage.

Creating defensible space around the property is crucial in reducing the risk of wildfires. This involves removing dead vegetation, clearing leaves and debris from gutters, and trimming tree branches near the house. In addition, homeowners should consider using noncombustible materials in the construction of their homes, such as brick or cement, to minimize the risk of fire spreading.

Proper spacing of plants is also important. By keeping vegetation at a safe distance from the house, the risk of fire spreading is minimized. Additionally, homeowners can consider incorporating fire-resistant plants in their landscaping, which are less likely to ignite and spread flames.

Regular maintenance of the property is essential in reducing wildfire risk. This includes clearing out fallen leaves and branches, removing flammable items, such as firewood or propane tanks, and ensuring that the property is well-maintained.

By implementing these strategies, homeowners can significantly reduce the potential damage caused by wildfires in hot and dry conditions. It is important to stay informed about local fire safety guidelines and work closely with insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage in case of any unfortunate events.

Oklahoma Insurance Pros Can Help

In conclusion, it is clear that hot weather can have significant impacts on home insurance. As climate change continues to increase the risk of extreme weather events, the cost of property lost to natural catastrophes is also expected to rise. This will likely result in higher premiums and rates for homeowners.

One key takeaway is the importance of addressing the impacts of hot weather on home insurance. As temperatures continue to rise, there is a higher risk of heat-related damage to homes, such as structural damage or damage from wildfires.

Additionally, homeowners should prioritize regular maintenance and consider adhering to building codes to minimize the risk of damage from hot weather.

By staying informed, proactive, and adequately insured, homeowners can mitigate the risk of financial ruin and ensure peace of mind in the face of increasing climate risks.

Oklahoma Insurance Pros helps homeowners like you review your insurance policies and obtain additional coverage to protect against these risks if necessary. 

Contact us today to find out if you can withstand the heat from an insurance coverage perspective. 

Get covered sooner!

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members.