If you’re jet-setting this summer, secure your home insurance to protect your home while away!
Summer is upon us, and hopping on a plane and jetting off to some foreign location for a week (or two) of rest and relaxation is many people’s favorite seasonal tradition. Before you head out the door, protecting the home while away is critical! Unfortunately, a vacant home can be awfully tempting for thieves and poses fire and electrical risks while left unattended. And while you’re away on vacation is possibly the worst time a household calamity can strike. Fortunately, you can use these basic safety tips and home insurance to leave your home accident-free while you’re away.
Phone a friend: A simple yet crucial task is to ask a friend, relative, or trusted neighbor to check up on your house while you’re away. Ask them to bring the mail inside, water your plants, and make sure all is well with your home.
Keep it quiet: While you may be tempted to boast about your Italy vacation plans all over social media – don’t. In this age where information is so easily accessible, anyone can see that you’re heading out of town for two weeks, leaving your home unattended and your possession exposed.
Alert the police: Notify the police before heading out on vacation for longer than a week. It’s possible that the officer on patrol will swing by your house to check up on it.
Hit the lights: Put a few of your inside lights on a timer so that they turn on and off automatically. If lights can be seen from the street, it typically means that someone is home to turn them on.
Stop the mail: Place a ‘stop’ order on mail and newspapers if your friend isn’t picking them up for you. Nothing says ‘no one’s home’ like piled newspapers and an overflowing mailbox.
Pull the plug: Unplug your television, computer, toaster, and other appliances to protect them from power surges – plus, it saves power!
Shut it off: Shut off your water while you’re away to prevent leaks, pipe bursts, and any other flooding that could occur.
When that’s all said and done, you’ll want to check (and double check) that the oven isn’t on, the key isn’t under the doormat, and that all of your luggage is in the car before you head out! With these tips, you’re well on your way to protecting the home while away on summer vacation.
Home insurance can protect your belongings and home when you’re not there to keep an eye on things. Contact Chambers & Company Insurance Brokers to secure the right homeowners insurance policy to protect your home through your vacation and beyond!