MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The recent winter storms have led to an increase in insurance claims. With all of the snow, ice, and wind, there have been an increase in auto crash, home owner and fire claims. Bursting pipes are one of the issues homeowners come into contact with.

"If you are going away make sure you have somebody checking your house, you can also leave them running with a drip while you are gone," said Lori Conarton, the Communication Director for the Insurance Institute of Michigan. "Keep the temperature in your house above freezing and also you can heat wrap pipes too."

Lori said that a good way to lower insurance claims is to prepare your house in the fall. Make sure the roof is in good condition and that your house is ready for the coming winter months.