The increasing frequency and severity of violent storms and natural disasters across the country have resulted in greater costs for customers and carriers alike. At the same time, however, they also have created far more opportunities for agents to serve as trusted advisors, helping homeowners mitigate significant risks by better maintaining their properties.

With about one-third of homeowners due to make significant home renovations, such as roof and window replacements, according to the "2024 Home Maintenance Report" by The Hanover, agents can offer invaluable advice on prioritizing these upgrades. Regular upkeep is crucial for maintaining a home's integrity against extreme weather and risk mitigation is a way for homeowners to take back some control against weather and losses.

Insurance agents have a unique opportunity to support their clients by emphasizing the importance of roof maintenance. Roofs are often the first line of defense against the elements. Neglecting proper roof maintenance can lead to leaks, ice dams, and structural damage. Nonetheless, the report found that only 38% of homeowners have inspected their roofs in the past year. Further, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) found that roof-related damage is responsible for an estimated 70%–90% of total insured residential catastrophic losses.

By encouraging homeowners to conduct annual roof inspections, particularly before and after harsh weather seasons, agents can help clients proactively address potential issues. When it is time to replace their roof, agents can help raise awareness of materials and updates customers could invest in to increase their home's resilience to bad weather.

Cleaning gutters is another critical area where insurance agents can provide valuable guidance. Clean gutters prevent water overflow, which can damage roofs, siding and foundations. Despite the significant risk, only 40% of homeowners cleaned their gutters last year. Agents who stress the importance of biannual gutter cleaning, especially in the fall and spring, can save their clients money, time and frustration.

Water heater maintenance is often overlooked but crucial in preventing significant water damage, one of the leading causes of home losses. Regular checks and maintenance can extend the life of the unit and prevent unexpected failures. However, only 39% of survey respondents checked their water heaters last year. Agents can play a vital role by advising homeowners to inspect their water heaters annually, be aware of the unit's age, and stay on top of maintenance needs. They also can remind homeowners to look for areas with potential signs of rust or leakage.

The study indicates that new homeowners—those owning their homes for less than five years—are less familiar with their home's critical systems, such as the location of the water shut-off valve. This presents an opportunity for insurance agents to educate homeowners about essential home maintenance tasks. Providing checklists and resources can help new homeowners, protect their investments and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs.

As weather patterns become more unpredictable and more damaging, agents are also looking to their carriers to help proactively prevent losses. Tools like aerial imagery and loss mitigation devices can help alert homeowners to potential issues before they become bigger ones. Agents can also tailor their consultative discussions to the most vulnerable areas of a home—roofs, gutters and water heaters—to not only enhance customer relationships but also contribute to reduced losses and safer homes.

Dan Halsey is president of personal lines at The Hanover.