Fall Safety & Insurance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

As the leaves change and temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home—and your insurance—for the months ahead. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or welcoming trick-or-treaters, here are a few smart steps to keep your home safe and your coverage ready.

1. Fireplace & Heating Safety

Home fires increase during colder months. Before lighting that first fire, make sure your chimney is clean and inspected. Also check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many homeowners policies cover fire damage, but prevention is always the best protection.

2. Halloween Liability Risks

Trick-or-treat night is fun, but it also brings more foot traffic to your property. Keep walkways clear, add lighting, and secure pets to prevent accidents. If something does happen, liability coverage on your homeowners policy can help protect you.

3. Storms & Roof Maintenance

Strong autumn storms can mean fallen branches, heavy rain, or even early ice. Now’s the time to inspect your roof and gutters. Taking small steps today can save big headaches later—and ensure a smoother claims process if damage occurs.

4. Auto Insurance & Shorter Days

With fewer daylight hours, accidents tend to increase in the fall. Make sure your auto insurance has the right liability and collision coverage to protect you and your family. Ask about bundling your home and auto for extra savings.

Final Tip: Reviewing your insurance every fall helps keep your coverage aligned with your lifestyle. If you’ve had big changes this year—like a new car, new home, or new driver in the family—now’s the perfect time to update your policies.

Contact Edwards Insurance Agency today for a free coverage review:

How to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters in Upstate South Carolina

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Living in Upstate South Carolina means enjoying beautiful mountain views, vibrant communities, and mild seasons—but it also means preparing for unpredictable weather. From hurricanes pushing inland with heavy rains to severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and the occasional winter ice storm, South Carolina homeowners face a range of risks each year.

While you can’t stop a natural disaster, you can take steps to reduce damage—and make sure your home insurance protects you when the unexpected happens.

Why Home Insurance Matters

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard home insurance policies don’t automatically cover every type of natural disaster. In South Carolina, the most common gaps are:

  • Flooding: Standard home insurance typically excludes flood damage, which is a risk in areas near rivers, lakes, and low-lying neighborhoods. A separate flood insurance policy may be needed.
  • Wind & Hail: Strong winds and hail from thunderstorms or hurricanes can cause significant roof and siding damage. 
  • Ice Damage: Freezing rain and ice can weigh down trees and powerlines, leading to roof damage and extended outages.

Disaster Preparedness for Upstate Homeowners

Hurricanes & Severe Storms

Even though Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas are inland, the remnants of coastal hurricanes often bring high winds and flash floods.

  • Install surge protectors to prevent power surges.
  • Trim trees near your home to minimize storm damage.
  • Keep sandbags or barriers ready if you live in a flood-prone area.

Flash Floods

South Carolina’s heavy rains can overwhelm storm drains and creeks.

  • Elevate HVAC systems, appliances, and electrical panels above ground level.
  • Store valuables in waterproof bins.
  • Ask your agent about flood insurance, especially if you live near a river, creek, or other waterways.

Winter Storms & Ice

While rare, ice storms can knock out power for days.

  • Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
  • Keep firewood, blankets, and emergency supplies on hand.
  • Review your policy for “loss of use” coverage, which pays for hotels if your home becomes unlivable.

Why an Insurance Review Is Essential

With the Upstate’s mix of weather risks, an annual insurance review ensures you’re not left exposed. Key questions to ask:

  • Does my policy cover wind and hail damage with reasonable deductibles?
  • Do I need a separate flood insurance policy?
  • Will my policy help cover temporary living expenses if my home is uninhabitable?
  • Have recent home improvements or rising construction costs increased my rebuild value?

Want peace of mind before the next storm season? Contact us today for a free insurance checkup!

The Annual Insurance Checkup: Why Reviewing Your Policies Each Year Matters

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Life changes quickly—your insurance should keep up.

Just like a yearly physical helps catch health issues before they become problems, an annual insurance checkup helps ensure you’re properly protected as your needs evolve. Unfortunately, many people “set and forget” their insurance policies, only to find themselves underinsured (or overpaying) when it matters most.

Here’s why reviewing your home, auto, and business insurance once a year is one of the smartest financial moves you can make—and what to look for during your checkup.

Why an Annual Insurance Review Is Important

Your insurance coverage should reflect your current life circumstances. A lot can change in a year—new vehicles, a growing family, home renovations, starting a business, or even improved credit. Each of these can impact your coverage needs and premiums.

Failing to update your policies may lead to:

  • Gaps in coverage that leave you exposed
  • Overpaying for outdated or unnecessary policies
  • Missed opportunities for discounts and savings

What to Review During Your Insurance Checkup

Here’s a checklist to guide your annual review:

Home Insurance

  • Have you renovated or added value to your home?
  • Have you purchased expensive electronics, furniture, or appliances?
  • Have local building costs changed, affecting replacement value?

Tip: Make sure your policy covers the current cost to rebuild your home—not just its market value.

Auto Insurance

  • Have you bought, sold, or paid off a vehicle?
  • Are your driving habits different from last year (working from home, for example)?
  • Have your driving records or credit scores improved?

Tip: Ask about safe driver discounts, bundling options, or usage-based programs.

Business Insurance

  • Has your business grown, expanded services, or hired employees?
  • Are you using new equipment or storing more inventory?
  • Have you started operating from a different location, including your home?

Tip: Your business evolves—your coverage should evolve with it. A simple home endorsement might no longer be enough.

When Else Should You Review Your Coverage?

Besides your annual checkup, make it a habit to review your policies anytime you:

  • Move to a new home or office
  • Buy or lease a car
  • Experience a major life event (marriage, divorce, retirement)
  • Welcome a new child or dependent
  • Take on new business risks or services

Let Us Help You Stay Covered

An annual insurance checkup doesn’t have to be a hassle. Our team is here to walk you through your policies, answer your questions, and proactively identify ways to improve your protection and possibly lower your premiums. Contact us today to schedule your annual policy checkup—it’s free, simple, and one of the best ways to protect what matters most!

What Kind of Insurance Do Home-Based Businesses Need?

The type of insurance you need depends on the nature of your business. Here are a few common options to consider:

1. Home-Based Business Insurance Endorsement

Some insurers offer an add-on to your existing homeowners policy that extends limited coverage for business-related activities. This can be a cost-effective option for freelancers or solopreneurs with low-risk operations.

2. Business Owners Policy (BOP)

A BOP is a more comprehensive solution that bundles general liability insurance and commercial property coverage. It’s ideal for businesses that have customers visiting the home, sell physical products, or rely heavily on equipment.

3. Professional Liability Insurance

If you offer services or advice (such as consulting, design, or accounting), professional liability insurance—also known as errors and omissions coverage—can protect you from claims of negligence or mistakes.

4. Commercial Auto Insurance

Do you use your vehicle for deliveries, client visits, or transporting equipment? Your personal auto policy might not cover incidents that occur while conducting business. A commercial auto policy ensures you’re protected.

How to Get Started

If you’re unsure whether your current insurance covers your business, start by asking these questions:

  • Do I have customers, vendors, or delivery drivers coming to my home?
  • Do I store business inventory, tools, or equipment at home?
  • Do I rely on a vehicle for business purposes?
  • Do I offer services that could lead to claims of negligence or error?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to talk to one of our agents at Edwards Insurance! Your business is your livelihood—don’t leave it exposed. A small investment in the right insurance coverage can protect you from major financial loss and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re a freelance graphic designer or a home-based retail seller, tailored insurance coverage ensures you’re truly covered.

Need help finding the right policy for your home-based business? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote and let’s make sure your business is protected—right where it started!