With the current pandemic, many people are looking for ways to have some sort of normal life, and part of that is travelling
A lot of international travelling, for the most part, has been shut down, so many people are vacationing within their own countries. However, you still want to make sure that's your home is properly protected and has the appearance that you're still there, even though you may be on vacation.
Every year many people return back from summer vacation find that their home has been vandalized or burglarized in some form. Let's put some of these tips in place, so your home won't become one of the statistics.
1. One of the greatest things to do is to make sure that your home looks like you're still there, even though you may be away
Tell the neighbour your trust you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home. That means providing them with a key and asking to check on your home inside and outside, as they will pick up newspapers and packages that may be left at your door. Make sure to provide emergency contact information, so that you can be reached in the event of any emergency. With the abundance of technology and electronics today, it is easy to find a timer that can turn on lights and other equipment. The best thing is if it can be set up randomly, so it's not going to turn on and of the exact same time.
2. There has been more than one occasion where people post personal information on social media
There was a lot of excitement and anticipation before someone takes a much-needed or luxurious vacation. There is a great temptation there to tell everyone where you are going. It would be much better if you actually showed the pictures, excitement, and fun you had and post that on social media after you come back. Someone once took pictures of stacks of cash in bundles and posted it on social media. Sadly, this person was robbed a few weeks later.
3. Do you have good external lighting that is motion detected?
Burglars don't want to be seen, and a bright light that might alert others to their activities can be a very effective deterrent.
4. Have you installed an alarm system in your home?
The warning signs you receive from the alarm company will give thieves a cause to pause and consider moving on to another home that doesn't have a burglar alarm. Most insurance companies will also offer a discount on your home insurance policy, especially if your alarm system is monitored.
5. For those neighbours that don't have room on their driveway for many vehicles...
This is a good time to offer them free parking on your driveway, which helps to make your home looks like somebody is still there. This could be a win-win for both parties.
6. Ask your neighbour to mow the lawn
Should your lawn need cutting while you're away, make arrangements with your neighbour to have your lawn mowed. Not only because it looks good, but it goes back to making sure your home looks lived-in and is not an easy target for any would-be thieves.
7. Be careful with new people
Many of us find it easy to make friends while on vacation, especially in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food and drinks to go around. However, you should be careful with the personal information that you may give to people, especially about where you live. They could alert others who might take advantage of the situation.
8. Make sure you carefully word your voicemail message
Should you desire to leave some information about your availability as well as in your out of office email. So that people know you're unavailable, but it doesn't mean that you are not close by.
9. A big no-no is hiding your key under the doormat or in the nearby flower pot
Most burglars are aware of the many hiding spots that homeowners use. Leave a spare key with a relative or have some hidden keys inside a locked garage that needs a combination in order to open.
10. Don't close your curtains
A big giveaway for burglars to know that you're not at home is when all the blinds and curtains are closed, especially in the middle of the day. Make sure your home looks like you are present is probably your greatest safety feature.
In conclusion
Even though we don't like to think about, with all these measures you might still find your home vandalized or burglarized. One of the easiest ways to deal with insurance companies in the event of a claim is to make sure you have receipts of any large purchase items, so you can use that for verification. Insurance companies are very skeptical when it comes to claims of large items without any corresponding evidence. With all the cell phones available today, it is very easy to take a video of the contents of your property and store it, even in the cloud, in the event you lose your phone.
The last thing anyone needs after they come back from vacation or a long business trip is to deal with the stress and worry about having their home vandalized or burglarized.
Please give our office a call at 905-683-2323. We are Bethel Insurance Brokers, and we are dedicated to help you and our customers live safer lives and to be more informed insurance consumer.