5 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re on Spring Break
Spring break is the time of year to pack your bags, grab the kids, gas up the car, and head out for a little R&R – rest and relaxation! And while vacations are always exciting, most people start worrying about their home’s safety and security as soon as they hit the highway.
If you’re a renter or homeowner and you’re getting ready to take a trip, here are some helpful tips for you to keep in mind. By putting these security measures in place, you’ll have the peace of mind to fully enjoy your well-deserved break.
1. Get Renters Insurance or Homeowners Insurance
If you’re headed out on spring break, the most important thing you should do is get either renters insurance or homeowners insurance. But what does homeowners or renters insurance cover? If something happens while you’re away, homeowners insurance and renters insurance will help you repair or rebuild your property and protect your belongings. If your possessions are damaged or stolen, insurance will help you replace them.
2. Ask a Friend to Watch Your Home and Get Your Mail
If you’ll be gone for more than a couple of days, ask a friend to keep an eye on your home and check your mail. A yard full of unopened newspapers screams “no one is home!!”—so ask a neighbor to pick them up. Leaving for a few weeks or longer? Ask the post office to hold your mail until you return and suspend your newspaper subscription until you get back. Anything you can do to make it look like someone is home can help keep your home safe!
3. Don’t Post Your Vacation Plans on Social Media
If you post your plans on Facebook or some other site, would-be thieves might be tempted to break in while you’re gone. It’s never a good idea to share this information with the world. Instead, just tell a few close friends and neighbors who are concerned about the safety of your belongings—not about stealing them!
4. Add Timers and Motion Sensors to Your Lights and Lock All the Doors and Windows
If you live in a house, it helps to install motion sensor lights on outdoor fixtures. Homeowners and renters both should leave a few lights on inside. Put lamps on timers to make it look like someone is home. This also helps deter burglars from targeting your home. Whether you own or rent, it’s important to remember to check all your windows and doors before leaving. Especially if you live on the first floor of an apartment building.
5. Install A Security System and Hidden Cameras
It might be a good idea to install an alarm system or security system that can alert you to potential threats and help deter burglars. There are a few different types of security systems to choose from: alarm systems, security cameras and home security systems. Researching what each has to offer will help you find the right method of protection for your needs.
Make a Going-Away Checklist
It’s easy to forget these tips when you’re packing for your trip, so be sure to add each of these tips to a checklist of things to do before you leave. And remember, if you don’t have renters insurance coverage or homeowners insurance coverage, now is the best time to look into it. If you do have insurance, make sure you have adequate coverage in place to cover the unexpected.
Common Questions About Protecting Your Home While on Vacation
How Do I Secure My Home While on Vacation?
One of the most important things you can do to secure your home and know that your home is adequately protected while on vacation is to make sure you have homeowners or renters insurance. This will protect you in case of emergencies, accidents, theft, or damage that may occur while you’re away.
What Can I Do to Protect My Home from Break-Ins
Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home and pick up your mail, newspapers and anything that indicates you might not be at home. Make sure your home remains well-lit by installing motion sensor lights around the property. Put lamps on timers. Keep all doors and windows locked. Install a security system. Remove any valuable items from plain sight, and always double check the locks on your doors and windows.
Do I Need Renters Insurance or Homeowners Insurance?
The most important thing you can do is get renters insurance or homeowners insurance to protect you in case something happens to your property while you’re away. If you don’t know what kind of coverage you need, you can speak with one of your local Acceptance Insurance agents. They will be happy to help you get the best coverage possible at the lowest price.
If you have a policy, be sure that it is up-to-date and covers everything you need it to before heading out on vacation. If it doesn’t, our agents can work with you to customize a plan that gives you all the coverage your family needs without any unnecessary headaches or surprise costs later!
You can relax and enjoy your time away when you’re certain that your home or apartment is covered by a homeowners insurance policy or renters insurance policy. Let an Acceptance Insurance agent give you peace of mind. Get a free, no hassle insurance quote today.
Material in these articles is for general information or entertainment purposes only. Acceptance Insurance does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the companies or apps listed in this article. Acceptance Insurance is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or available through these websites or resources. Any references to third party rates or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Price may vary based on how you buy. Information and coverage descriptions are general in nature. Actual coverage depends on the policy. Nothing in this article alters the terms or conditions of any of our policies. Homeowners policies are underwritten by third-party insurers that are not affiliated with Acceptance and are solely responsible for claims. Supplementary coverage options may be added to an insurance policy for an additional cost where applicable. See your agent for more information. Product and features are subject to underwriting criteria. Actual coverage depends on the policy and are subject to its terms and conditions. Not all products, discounts or payment plans are available in all states or distribution channels. All products described herein are subject to terms and conditions.
