Summer’s arrival has most people dreaming of their next big vacation. Being spontaneous and hitting the road when the mood strikes you can be fun too, but there are a few things you need to think about if you are heading out anywhere.
1) Protect Your Home
The safety and security of your home should be your number one concern if you’re planning to be gone long. There is always the risk of a break-in, theft or property damage, but there are plenty of steps you can take to minimize your risk.
First, and most importantly, be sure to contact your broker well before your vacation begins. The simple act of letting them know about your plans can help safeguard you if something goes wrong. It’s also a smart idea to take photos of your home and property before you leave. With proof of how things looked before your vacation, you’re in a much better position if you have to place a claim for theft or damages.
Have a trusted friend or family member check in on your property while you’re away. It will deter thieves if they see the home is in use, and if there are any signs of a break-in, your friend can call the police right away. For extra security; set your lights on timers. Thieves are most likely to strike at night, and the lights turning on and off just might be enough to make them think twice.
You should also consider investing in a security system for extra protection. It will make break-ins a lot tougher, and most modern systems will let you check your home’s status remotely, giving you peace of mind while you travel.
One thing that many homeowners don’t think about is the risk of a water escape. These types of leaks are possible anytime of the year, but small problems can grow quickly if they’re not dealt with. If no one is staying in your home, you may want to turn off the water to the house. Shutting off your main water valve will eliminate potential damage from burst pipes or leaks from appliances.
Finally, try to limit the number of people you tell about your vacation plans. You may be excited about sharing the details of your trip, but posting photos online gives potential thieves instant insight into your plans and schedule.
2) Protect Your Vehicle
Always let your broker know if you are travelling, and whether your vehicle is coming with you. Your coverages may change depending on where you take your vehicle, and your broker can help make sure you’re properly covered. If your broker knows your vehicle is unattended, they can be ready if anything happens to it.
If you don’t have a garage, try to leave your vehicle parked somewhere safe, or cover it with a tarp so it doesn’t catch the eye of any thieves or vandals. You can also leave your vehicle with a friend or family member to watch over, so long as you let your broker know where it’s staying.
3) Protect Your Vacation
Now that your property is protected, it’s time to enjoy your vacation! But before you head out, you should consider travel insurance.
Travel insurance is a wise investment for long or expensive trips. This will offer you some protection if your luggage, wallet or identification goes missing, if your flight is unexpectedly cancelled, or if any medical expenses arise while you’re away. Travel insurance may be your only safeguard against a ruined vacation, so talk to your broker to see if it makes sense with your plans. Nicol Insurance works with a number of travel insurance providers, but we always recommend CAA. They have a number of affordable travel insurance packages to suit any vacation plan, and their customer service and member benefits are among the best in Canada.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be in great shape to enjoy your vacation. The brokers at Nicol Insurance are here to help, so make sure to let us know about any big changes in your life. We’ll make sure you’re coverage suits your life.
