Life is unpredictable. Even with excellent intentions, maintenance schedules, and insurance coverage, unforeseen circumstances can arise. People frequently associate severe catastrophes with homeowners insurance claims. Unfortunately, there aren’t many policyholders at ground zero who can do this in these situations.

However, the truth is that many losses might have been avoided. The most frequent homeowners insurance claim is for water damage to property, followed by claims for wind and hail, fire and lightning, and theft, which made up 98.1 percent of the total claims.

Following a list avoidable and frequent homeowners insurance claims, a helpful suggestion for lowering the risk of filing is provided.

1) Washing machine hoses that are loose or damaged – Homeowners insurance frequently covers this problem due to varying water temps, shaking equipment, and containment in low-traffic areas.

Recommendation: Check plastic hoses often for anomalies and replace them at least every three years. Place your machine, if at all possible, in a more noticeable (or at least audible) location.

2) Lightning and Fire Damage – According to the Insurance Information Institute, claims for damage from fire and lightning are the most common but also the most expensive. A staggering $79,785 is the average lightning and fire damage claim amount.

More: Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

3) Toilet problems – If you’ve never dealt with leaks or overflows in a toilet, you’re in the minority. However, consistent attention is the secret to saving yourself and your family thousands of dollars in damages.

Recommendation: Is the toilet swaying? It might not have been installed correctly. Do you leak? Contact a skilled professional right away. Avoid delaying it until “later,” as it might be too late.

4) Refrigerator problems – The water and plastic lines that stretch from your refrigerator can quickly cause substantial kitchen damage, even though they are harder to spot than a toilet or shower cracks.

Recommendation: If you’re handy or at ease, check the lines frequently for kinks. If unsure, speak with a qualified expert.

5) Electrical fires – Does your “surge protector” look like an overloaded circuit hazard? Do you conceal cords under the carpet for purely decorative purposes? If the answer to either question was “yes,” you have a claim against your homeowners insurance that could have been avoided.

Recommendation: Unplug any appliances that are not being used right away. Never run cables through rugs.

6) Candle/Cooking Fires – It is frequently essential to prepare food over an open flame (or with gas), warm the house, and provide lighting. However, fire destruction is the leading cause of homeowners insurance claims, followed by water damage.

Recommendation: Always exercise safety and remain on high alert.

7) Roof Damage – Most homeowners insurance policies will cover roof damage brought on by unavoidable events like fire or vandalism. That won’t be much help when it comes time to fix a roof brought down by persistent leaks.

Recommendation: The key to a longer lifespan is essential to roof maintenance, such as replacing the shingles and cleaning the gutters. But avoid trying to prolong the life of your roof.