Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, both for comfort and for safety. But beyond dusting off shelves and scrubbing baseboards, your spring cleaning checklist can also help protect your investment and lower your risk of future insurance claims. At Scurich Insurance Services, we believe prevention is one of the most powerful tools homeowners have — and spring is an ideal season to get proactive.
Here are four smart spring cleaning tips that not only improve your home’s appearance but may also help you avoid costly damage and insurance headaches down the road.
1. Check and Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Over the winter, gutters tend to collect leaves, dirt, and debris. When clogged, they can cause water to back up under your roof or overflow near your foundation, leading to water damage, mold, or even structural problems — all of which could result in home insurance claims.
✅ Tip: Use a ladder to inspect and clean your gutters, and make sure downspouts are draining at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. Consider installing gutter guards for longer-term protection.
Insurance Tie-In: Water damage is one of the most common reasons for homeowners insurance claims. Regular gutter maintenance helps you avoid filing a claim that could impact your rates.
2. Inspect the Roof for Loose or Damaged Shingles
Winter storms and high winds can wreak havoc on your roof. A missing shingle today can become a leaky ceiling tomorrow — and by the time water makes its way inside, repairs may already be costly.
✅ Tip: From the ground or using binoculars, look for loose, curling, or missing shingles. If you notice any issues, schedule a professional roof inspection.
Insurance Tie-In: Insurance policies typically cover damage from sudden incidents, but not problems caused by neglect. Regular inspections show your insurer that you’re doing your part to prevent avoidable damage.
3. Service Your HVAC and Clean Vents
Before temperatures climb, it’s a great time to check your heating and cooling systems. A neglected HVAC system not only runs less efficiently but can become a fire hazard, especially if ducts are clogged with dust and debris.
✅ Tip: Change filters, vacuum air vents, and schedule a professional inspection to ensure your system is in top shape.
Insurance Tie-In: Fires caused by neglected appliances or systems can lead to serious damage. Many insurance companies view regular maintenance as a sign of responsible homeownership, which may work in your favor when it comes to rates or claims.
4. Check Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers
Spring is a great time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries if needed. Also, make sure your fire extinguishers are properly charged and not expired.
✅ Tip: Use the change of seasons as your reminder to test all safety devices and replace anything that isn’t working correctly.
Insurance Tie-In: Having operational safety devices in your home not only protects your family — it may also earn you a home insurance discount with some carriers.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Protection
At Scurich Insurance Services, we encourage our clients to look at spring cleaning as more than just a seasonal ritual. It’s a critical component of home risk management. By taking simple, preventative steps each spring, you reduce your chances of filing an insurance claim and help ensure your policy is there when you need it most.
Need a Home Insurance Review?
Whether you’re looking for better coverage, lower rates, or just want to make sure your policy still fits your needs, our local experts are here to help. Request a free insurance review today and enjoy peace of mind this season.
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In Aptos and throughout Santa Cruz County, rising housing costs and limited inventory have led many residents—particularly students, young professionals, and working families—to seek affordable rental options. Shared housing, co-living arrangements, and multi-family rentals are becoming increasingly common. But while these solutions can help ease the burden of high rent, they often come with overlooked risks—especially when it comes to protecting personal property and liability.
That’s where renters’ insurance comes in.
Why Renters’ Insurance Matters
Renters’ insurance is often misunderstood or ignored entirely by tenants. Many assume that their landlord’s insurance will cover their belongings in the event of a fire, theft, or water damage. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. A landlord’s policy typically only covers the structure itself—not your personal possessions or liability.
Renters’ insurance provides crucial financial protection for:
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Personal belongings such as electronics, furniture, and clothing
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Liability coverage if someone is injured while visiting your rental unit
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Additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like fire or smoke damage)
In shared housing or affordable units, where multiple tenants may cohabitate in tight quarters, these protections become even more essential.
Challenges of Shared and Affordable Housing
In communities like Aptos, it’s common for roommates to split the cost of rent. However, shared housing introduces complexities that renters should understand:
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Who’s covered?
Renters’ insurance generally covers only the person named on the policy. If you’re sharing an apartment with roommates, each person should have their own renters’ policy. That way, everyone’s personal property is protected, and there’s no confusion over coverage if a claim needs to be filed.
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Roommate risks
Imagine a scenario where a roommate accidentally leaves the stove on, causing a kitchen fire. Without renters’ insurance, not only could you lose your belongings, but you may also face liability issues—especially if the damage spreads beyond your unit.
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Affordability concerns
Renters’ insurance is surprisingly affordable. In California, the average policy costs between $15 and $25 per month. For the price of a pizza, you can have peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected.
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Landlord requirements
Some property owners in Santa Cruz County now require tenants to carry renters’ insurance as part of the lease agreement. Even if it’s not mandated, it’s a smart decision to secure a policy.
What to Look for in a Policy
When shopping for renters’ insurance, consider the following features:
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Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Replacement cost coverage reimburses you for the cost to replace items with new ones, whereas actual cash value deducts depreciation. For comprehensive protection, opt for replacement cost coverage.
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Liability Limit: A standard policy includes $100,000 in liability coverage, but you may want to increase that limit depending on your living situation.
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Deductibles: This is the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choose a deductible that balances affordability with out-of-pocket risk.
How Scurich Insurance Services Can Help
At Scurich Insurance Services, we understand the unique housing challenges facing our neighbors in Aptos and surrounding communities. Our local team takes pride in helping renters—from students and first-time tenants to growing families—navigate the complexities of insurance.
We’ll help you:
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Choose the right coverage for your situation
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Understand policy terms and exclusions
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Ensure every household member is protected
Whether you’re renting a room in a shared home or leasing a small apartment, don’t leave your financial security to chance. Renters’ insurance is a simple, affordable way to safeguard what matters most.
Ready to get protected?
Get a Quote today from Scurich Insurance Services and experience personalized guidance from your local insurance experts.
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Valued at $46.2 million, the Graff Pink diamond is one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world. Your jewelry box might not hold anything that priceless, but you certainly want to insure your valuable or sentimental pieces, including the diamond cufflinks you wore at your wedding or your grandmother’s ruby brooch. November is Real Jewelry Month and the perfect time to make sure your necklaces, bracelets, rings and other real jewelry are insured.
1. Hire an Independent Appraiser
An independent appraiser will carefully and thoroughly inspect each piece of jewelry you own, and he or she will then determine the exact value of your works of art. Be sure to obtain a signed document that includes a detailed description and appraiser’s value for each piece.
2. Check Your Current Insurance Policy
Most homeowner or renter insurance policies include cash value or replacement coverage for personal belongings. As long as that figure is high enough to cover everything you own, including your real jewelry, you’re set.
3. Purchase a Rider
If your current policy does not cover your valuable gems, purchase a rider. It offers additional coverage for your precious collection.
4. Take Pictures of all Your Pieces
The police need detailed descriptions of your jewelry if a piece is lost or stolen. Take detailed pictures of each piece to increase the likelihood of recovery.
5. Update Your Inventory Regularly
Once you’re sure your jewelry is adequately insured, mark your calendar for an annual inventory review. Add new pieces you recently purchased and remove pieces you sold or gave away to ensure your collection is completely covered.
6. Inspect Your Jewelry
As part of your annual review; take your jewelry for an inspection. The jeweler will look for loose settings, chips or scratches. Take new pictures after any needed repairs are made.
7. Store Your Jewelry in a Safe Place
Insurance will replace your real jewelry if it’s lost, stolen or damaged, but don’t take chances. A fireproof safe hidden in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank protects your gems, especially if you own expensive pieces that you wear only on rare occasions.
You do not want to file a claim for stolen jewelry and find out it wasn’t insured. Follow these tips and talk to your insurance agent today as you protect your valuable collection and celebrate Real Jewelry Month.
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When you host neighborhood barbecues or invite your friends’ kids over to play in the yard, you could be responsible if someone gets hurt. Ensure you have premises liability insurance to protect your assets.
What is Premises Liability?
Visitors who suffer an injury while on your property could sue you. You could be responsible for their medical treatment, legal fees and other damages under premises liability laws. Before your next neighborhood party, verify your premise liability responsibility.
Know the Nature of the Injured Party
In general, visitors to your property fall into one of three categories. They may be a licensee, business invitee or trespasser. Your liability and responsibility for a visitor’s safety depend on their classification.
Licensee
If you have invited or allowed a neighbor onto your property, they’re considered a licensee. You have the responsibility to take reasonable care to ensure a licensee’s safety. For example, if you know one of the deck steps is loose, you should fix the step, but if you run out of time, you can simply warn your neighbor of the danger and not be liable for any injuries.
Business Invitee
A neighbor who shops at your yard sale or stops by to discuss fixing your broken steps through her remodeling company falls into the category of a business invitee. In this case, you have invited them onto your property for business, and you must actively inspect your property for safety hazards, dangers and risks and repair any issues before a business invitee steps foot onto your property.
Trespasser
Someone who enters your property without a specific invitation or your implied permission is considered a trespasser. This category applies to the neighborhood kid who opens the gate and plays on your swingset when you’re not home or the neighbor who crashes your barbecue without an invitation. Typically, you don’t have to warn a trespasser of potential hazards around your home or make repairs to keep him or her safe. However, check your local laws because they may include different requirements.
Understand your Status as a Homeowner or a Possessor
Your status as a homeowner or property possessor determines your liability during a premises liability claim. For example, if you rent your home to a tenant, you might not be liable for injuries that occur on the property. Check your local laws to verify your responsibility.
Purchase Adequate Insurance
While you always want to remove hazards and dangers on your property before you invite the neighbors over, purchase homeowners insurance, too. It should have premises liability and adequate coverage for any liability. Your agent can help you analyze your assets and choose appropriate coverage limits that provide financial peace of mind.
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Trampolines help your kids burn off excess energy, and they’re a great weight loss tool for you. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all consumers avoid using trampolines because unsafe use of this backyard toy can cause head and neck injuries, fractures and sprain. As a homeowner, don’t set up a backyard trampoline until you find out more about your liability.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Trampolines are fun, but the expenses could quickly outweigh any enjoyment. Some insurance companies will not insure your home if you have a trampoline. They may either cancel your policy or exclude coverage for any trampoline-related injuries. Either way, you’ll be personally liable for any injuries that occur.
Set It Up Properly
If your homeowners insurance policy does cover your trampoline, be sure you set it up properly as you increase its safe operation.
*Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up and using the trampoline.
*If possible, place the trampoline at ground level rather than above ground.
*Remove tree branches and other hazards located nearby.
*Provide adequate padding on the springs as you prevent pinching.
*Secure a safety net around the trampoline.
*Inspect the trampoline and all its parts regularly for wear and tear.
Provide Constant Supervision
Guests who are injured while using your trampoline can sue you. Be sure you provide constant supervision to ensure everyone practices safe jumping. That means only one person at a time should jump, and no one should do somersaults or flips, two major causes of spine injuries.
Fence-In Your Yard
You’re liable for injuries that occur by anyone who uses your trampoline, even if the jumper doesn’t have your permission or trespasses in your lawn. Protect yourself with a tall fence. It should have a self-latching lock on the gate for greater security.
Your family and friends can enjoy fun in your backyard thanks to your trampoline. Be sure to understand your liability, though, before you install one.
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Trampolines help your kids burn off excess energy, and they’re a great weight loss tool for you. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all consumers avoid using trampolines because unsafe use of this backyard toy can cause head and neck injuries, fractures and sprain. As a homeowner, don’t set up a backyard trampoline until you find out more about your liability.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Trampolines are fun, but the expenses could quickly outweigh any enjoyment. Some insurance companies will not insure your home if you have a trampoline. They may either cancel your policy or exclude coverage for any trampoline-related injuries. Either way, you’ll be personally liable for any injuries that occur.
Set It Up Properly
If your homeowners insurance policy does cover your trampoline, be sure you set it up properly as you increase its safe operation.
*Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up and using the trampoline.
*If possible, place the trampoline at ground level rather than above ground.
*Remove tree branches and other hazards located nearby.
*Provide adequate padding on the springs as you prevent pinching.
*Secure a safety net around the trampoline.
*Inspect the trampoline and all its parts regularly for wear and tear.
Provide Constant Supervision
Guests who are injured while using your trampoline can sue you. Be sure you provide constant supervision to ensure everyone practices safe jumping. That means only one person at a time should jump, and no one should do somersaults or flips, two major causes of spine injuries.
Fence-In Your Yard
You’re liable for injuries that occur by anyone who uses your trampoline, even if the jumper doesn’t have your permission or trespasses in your lawn. Protect yourself with a tall fence. It should have a self-latching lock on the gate for greater security.
Your family and friends can enjoy fun in your backyard thanks to your trampoline. Be sure to understand your liability, though, before you install one.
Read more
