John Zampelli Jrwww.johnzampelli.com

An average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter, all because of water pipes that freeze and burst.

Each year, about 1.5 million animal-vehicle collisions cause about $1 billion in damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Take a few extra moments every week to check potential trouble spots in and around your home. Early detection could mean the difference between a simple mop-up job and major construction repairs.

Some insurers increase premiums for cars that have higher rates of damage or occupant injury. And cars that do better in safety tests? They're more likely to get you lower rates.