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Tips for protecting your car, home during winter

Posted at 12:46 AM, Dec 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-18 00:46:00-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- With winter right around the corner, experts are warning homeowners and drivers that it could be costly if they are not careful.

A portion of I-295 in Henrico County looked like a collision course with several crashes on the highway Saturday morning.

State police said there were nearly 100 accidents in the Richmond metro area because of icy road conditions.

"Unfortunately, with it being one of the first ice storms of the season, you may have some more severe accidents where people are still using a little bit more excessive speed than they should,” agent Michael Fisher with State Farm said.

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Fisher said agents typically see between 20 to 30 accident during an ice storm forcing consumers to pay more.

"Insurance rates are impacted by accidents, and if we can reduce the frequency of accidents and reduce the severity of accidents, obviously that helps to keep rates more competitive,” Fisher said.

Local firefighters are typically busy this time of year responding to house fires.

In some cases, residents are displaced and the property is destroyed.

Before that happens, Fisher suggests reviewing your homeowners insurance.

"Spend 10 minutes looking over your policy. Making sure you're familiar with your coverages. Making sure you're familiar with your deductibles. If you're an apartment dweller get renters insurance. It's 10 dollars a month on average,” said Fisher.

Fire

Fire

Fisher said it is a minimal fee, but the coverage is extensive in the event of a devastating fire. In fact, he said agents usually get up to a dozen property damage claims during this time of year.

"You rarely see a two or three thousand house fire or apartment fire. It's usually $20,000 to $30,000 worth of damage,” said Fisher.

Fisher said they receive up to a dozen property damage claims from fires this time of year.

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