How to Prepare Your Home and Car for Seasonal Storms with AAA

Article overview

• Protecting your home: Learn how to inspect your roof, clean your gutters and handle fallen tree limbs to prevent storm damage.

• Prepping your car: Follow our DIY checklist to get your vehicle ready for hazardous rainy season driving conditions.

• Reviewing your insurance: Understand the importance of reviewing your home and auto policies to ensure you have the right coverage.

• Staying covered: Discover how automatic renewal of your AAA Membership and automatic payments for your insurance can prevent any lapse in coverage.

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days and blooming flowers, but it also ushers in unpredictable storms with heavy rain, hail and strong winds. Protecting your most valuable assets requires a proactive approach. As a trusted source for home and auto protection, AAA is here to help you navigate the changing seasons safely. 

Taking a few preventive steps right now can save you significant time and money later. This guide covers practical ways to secure your house, maintain your vehicle and ensure your insurance coverage prepares you for the unexpected.

Protecting your home from spring weather

High winds and heavy downpours can cause serious damage to your property. A quick weekend inspection of your home's exterior can identify weak spots before a major storm hits.

Identifying issues with your roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against severe weather. Winter ice and snow often leave behind hidden damage that spring rains will quickly reveal.

Follow these steps to check your roof:

• Do a visual inspection: Walk around your property and look up at your roof. Search for missing, cracked or curling shingles.

• Check the flashing: The metal pieces around your chimney, vents and skylights are common spots for leaks. Make sure they remain securely attached and rust-free.

• Clean your gutters: Clear out leaves, twigs and debris. Clogged gutters force water to back up under your roof shingles or spill over the sides, potentially damaging your home's foundation.

• Look for interior water stains: Check your attic and top-floor ceilings for dark spots or peeling paint, which indicate an active leak.

If you spot any significant damage, hire a professional roofing contractor to make repairs before the next storm rolls in.

Handling fallen tree branches

Strong winds can bring down tree limbs. But what happens if a neighbor's tree falls on your property?

Generally, your homeowner's insurance policy is responsible for covering the removal and damages, especially if the tree fell due to natural causes like wind or lightning. However, if your neighbor's tree was dead or diseased and they neglected to remove it, their insurance may be responsible.

This season, trim back any dead or overhanging limbs near your home, fence and driveway to minimize the risk of damage. You are usually allowed to trim branches that hang over your property line, but it's always a good idea to talk to your neighbor first.

Getting your car ready for the rainy season

Spring storms create hazardous driving conditions. Slick roads and reduced visibility mean your vehicle needs to be in top shape.

Do-it-yourself maintenance with NAPA Auto Parts

You can handle many basic car maintenance tasks right in your own driveway. Partnering with NAPA Auto Parts, AAA makes it easy to get the high-quality supplies you need at a great value.

Here is a checklist for spring car maintenance:

• Replace your wiper blades: Winter ice degrades the rubber on windshield wipers. If your blades leave streaks or make a squeaking noise, head to your local NAPA Auto Parts store for a fresh pair.

• Check your tire tread: Proper traction is vital on wet roads. Insert a quarter upside down into your tire's tread groove. If you can see the top of Washington's head, your tires are dangerously bald and need replacing.

• Test your battery: Extreme temperatures strain car batteries. Clean any corrosion off the terminals using a wire brush and ensure the connections are tight.

• Top off your fluids: Check your oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid levels, topping them up as necessary.

Prepare for the unexpected with emergency roadside assistance

Even the best-maintained vehicles can encounter trouble during a severe storm. Flat tires, dead batteries and engine issues happen without warning. 

Keep an emergency kit in your trunk containing a flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, a first-aid kit and a blanket. Most importantly, keep your AAA Membership active. Our emergency roadside assistance team is available around the clock to help you safely navigate unexpected breakdowns, rain or shine.

Reviewing your insurance coverage

Preparation goes beyond physical maintenance. It's also about having the right financial protection in place before a spring storm strikes. Spring is the perfect time to review your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for storm-related damages.

Get expert insights with a free AAA Triple Check

Insurance policies can be complex, but you don’t have to figure them out alone. A complimentary AAA Triple Check is a great way to review your coverage with a professional. An agent will help you understand your current deductibles, explain the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost, and identify any gaps in your coverage. They can also help you find any new discounts you may be eligible for.

If you are looking for better rates or more comprehensive protection, get a quote.

How to file an insurance claim

Filing an insurance claim doesn't have to be a stressful process. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.

1. Document the incident: Before you do anything else, document the damage or loss. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles and make a list of any stolen or damaged items. The more details you can provide, the better.
2. Contact your insurer: Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Have your policy number ready to speed up the process.
3. Follow their guidance: Your insurer will guide you through their specific claims process. You'll likely be assigned a claims adjuster who will assess the damage and help you work toward a resolution.

Filing a claim with AAA

If you're insured with AAA, the process is simple and straightforward. You can file a claim in one of three easy ways:

1. Online at AAA.com
2. Through the AAA Mobile app
3. By calling the claims hotline

Once your claim is submitted, a dedicated AAA claims adjuster will be assigned to your case to assist you every step of the way.

Secure your coverage with automatic payments

The worst time to discover an issue with your membership or insurance policy is while you are stranded on the side of a rainy highway or standing in a flooded living room. Missing a payment can lead to a lapse in your coverage, leaving you entirely responsible for expensive repairs and towing fees. Be sure to enroll in automatic payments for your insurance policies to help ensure you're always protected. 

Stay safe, stay prepared and let AAA handle the rest this storm season.