Imagine coming home after a relaxing vacation, only to find that your home has been vandalized or broken into, and, to make matters worse, your insurance does not cover the damage. According to recent reports, around 72% of burglaries happen when homeowners are away. Protecting your home does not only mean locking the doors; it also means knowing what your insurance plan covers and taking proactive measures to protect yourself as you relax.
This blog will explain how to secure your home & make sure your coverage is up to the task while you are on vacation. This way, you’ll always come back to your home safe and unharmed. Let’s see what you need to know about your insurance policy.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy Before You Leave
Are you embarking on a vacation anytime soon? Before you leave for your vacation, the first thing you need to do is make sure that your home insurance policy covers all the risks involved while you are out on vacation.
Many homeowners assume that their standard policy provides full protection, but that is rarely the case. A home insurance policy usually covers damage caused by fire, vandalism, theft, and other risks. However, it may have limitations on specific events and exclusions (especially if negligence is involved).
Check for Exclusions and Limitations
Most standard home insurance policies usually include exclusions for damages that could have been easily prevented through simple measures. For example, if you leave your house unlocked or fail to secure it in any way, your insurer could argue that since you were negligent and the mishap could have been easily avoided by exercising necessary caution, they have the right to refuse to cover any losses.
Burglars mostly target homes that they find to be easy targets, and insurers may not cover a break-in if the target’s house is not properly secured.
Ask your insurer about any exclusions in your policy related to vacation properties or extended absences to make sure your home is properly protected. Many insurers offer extra coverage or “riders” for homes that are vacant for a certain period.
Vacation Coverage Add-Ons
Some insurers also offer add-ons to increase your coverage while you are on vacation. These include protection for valuables such as jewellery and electronics or protection for items stored in a garage or outbuilding. If you plan on leaving for a time that is longer than 30 days, make sure that you inform your insurer since many insurers will void coverage after a home is vacant for over a month.
Physical Security Measures to Reduce Risk
Even if your insurance policy covers certain types of damages, taking measures to try and stop all that from happening is even more important. These precautions not only lower the likelihood of a break-in but help you lower your insurance premiums as well.
Invest in a Comprehensive Security System
A well-monitored security system is the best way to protect your home while you relax on vacation. According to the Electronic Security Association (ESA), homes without a security system are 3x more likely to be burglarized than homes with one. A modern smart home security system is not just alarms and cameras; many systems offer remote monitoring through apps, too, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere you want!
Lighting and Timers for Illusion of Occupancy
Criminals are more likely to target homes that look as if they are unoccupied. A dark house is a sign for burglars that no one’s home, making it the perfect target to break in and round up the homeowner’s belongings.
To avoid this, you should use smart lights and timers to make your home look like there’s someone inside. Set lights to turn on at night and off during the day to copy your usual behaviour. Outdoor motion-sensing lights can also help add another layer of protection, especially around entry points like doors and windows.
Windows and Doors: Reinforce Entry Points
The most common entry points for break-ins are doors and windows. A report by The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association states that 34% of burglars gain entry through a window, while 30% enter through the front door. Using deadbolts, security bars, reinforced glass, and many other prevention techniques can discourage burglars from breaking in, keeping your home safe and secure.
Additionally, making sure all windows are locked and that your sliding doors have a security bar can make it more difficult for someone to break in and vandalize your property.
Make Sure of Coverage for Valuable Items
Insurance policies usually have limitations when talking about items of high value. If you own expensive electronics, jewellery, or rare collectables, make sure to check with your insurer if these are covered under your standard home insurance policy.
A lot of insurance policies only cover a percentage of the value of the valuables unless you buy an additional rider or endorsement to your policy. For example, let’s say that a standard policy only covers up to $1,500 for electronics, but your TV costs $5,000. In this case, you might need a separate rider to cover that difference.
Inventory and Documentation
Making an inventory of items at home is one of the most effective ways for you to make sure that you are properly compensated in case you need to make a claim. Use an application or a spreadsheet to note down valuable items. Remember to note their serial numbers, brand, and condition. Also, take photographs or videos of your items for easy reference. In case anything gets damaged or stolen, you will be able to file a detailed and accurate claim.
Final Words
Your home is at its most vulnerable when you are away. You can reduce the risk of damage, theft, or liability by taking these security precautions and reviewing your home insurance policy thoroughly. Even though you have an insurance policy to protect you, it is still your job and responsibility to make sure that your home is secure and that you are fully covered. If you are looking for home insurance to protect your home, contact us now and let’s get started!
