It’s extremely common for people to travel over the winter holidays. With school out of session, it’s the perfect time to head to that ski resort, a grandparent’s house, or other fun-filled destination. However, it’s not always pure fun and games. While you and your loved ones are away from home for a week or two, who is keeping an eye on your home and all of your belongings?
The holidays are a time of indulgence and enjoyment, but also home break-ins and theft, especially if thieves know that you’re out of town. Wondering how you can combat this while you’re away? Here’s how you can keep your home safe, while still enjoying everything that the holiday season has to offer.
Home Security Tips
There are many ways to keep your home secure while you’re traveling, and some of them can even help you financially by lowering your insurance premiums. Suggestions include:
Setting Up a Security System – A home security system with cameras and an alarm system can help prevent burglaries, and even capture the people who broke in on video, if they persist. Plus, insurance companies favor these systems because they provide extra security.
Installing a Smart Home System – Similar to a home security system, a smart home system has some of the same features, like lights, cameras, and alarms, but they also allow you to make changes to your home’s lighting and curtains while you’re away. By opening and closing the curtains at a certain time, turning on lights, and more, burglars will be deterred because they won’t know that you’re away.
Following Standard Home Security Measures – Having someone check your home regularly, instructing the post office to hold your mail, and asking a trusted neighbor or two to keep an eye on things are also effective ways to prevent a break-in from occurring while you’re out of town.
Vacant Home Insurance Clauses
Did you know that most homeowner’s insurance policies have a vacant home clause? This means that if your home is left vacant for the number of days specified by your policy, usually 30 or 60 days, then your belongings might not be covered should a break-in occur. You should check with your insurance company to see how you can mitigate this and have the highest amount of protection while you’re away on a holiday vacation.
Renters and Homeowner’s Insurance
What happens when someone breaks into your home and steals your belongings? Obviously, your first call should be to the police, but your second should be to your insurance company. Both renters and homeowner’s insurance policies provide protection from the financial losses of having your items stolen. They can help you repair any damage to your home or the interior of your apartment as well.
Worried About Your Insurance Coverage?
Do you need to ensure that you have enough insurance coverage to protect your belongings should something happen while you’re out of town for the holidays? Or do you have questions about homeowners or renter’s insurance? If so, contact Spivey Insurance. Our knowledgeable agents can answer your questions and help you choose the best policies for your needs and budget.