Did you know that some home insurance policies may void themselves if you’re away from your house for a certain number of days?
This period could be as little as four days, and if something goes wrong, you’ll find yourself without your home insurance protection.
Here are several ways that you can protect your home while on holiday.
- If you’re on a well, turn off the water pump. If there is a small leak or a larger pipe failure, the water won’t continue to pump until your well runs dry. This will be accomplished by flipping a breaker in your main fuse panel.
- Turn off the power to your water heater. Your hot water heater is constantly on. Some elements, similar to those found inside ovens, heat the water inside the tank and are usually rated at 1,500w per element; there are 2 in each large water heater.
- Consider a water pressure alarm feature that will send alerts if the water pressure drops suddenly and unexpectedly.
- Turn down the thermostat so that you’re not heating the home unnecessarily.
- Be wary of posting too much about your upcoming extended holiday on social media. Just don’t do it.
- Notify your alarm company if you have a house alarm. Your neighbors will appreciate this if a raccoon gets a bit too nosy.
- Ask a friend or neighbor if they wouldn’t mind collecting your mail if you don’t have a mail slot.
Learn the Mandatory ‘Check-in’ Requirements of Your Insurance Policy
Many insurance policies, if not all, have some mandatory requirements that you must adhere to so your policy remains in good standing. You must make arrangements if your house is unoccupied for an extended period.
The most important task you’ll need to arrange is to ensure someone visits the home regularly. Depending on the house insurance provider, this could be anywhere from daily to up to around four days.
Are you leaving for a holiday soon? Contact a Harbord Insurance Broker today to catch up on your policy details.
