Traveling for the Holidays and Home Insurance
The Californer/10257910

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Californer --

• During a robbery, 34% of burglars use the front door.
• First-floor windows make up 23% of entry points used by burglars and 22% use the back door.
• Having a home security system may qualify you for insurance discounts of 2 to 5%.

Key Takeaways

• Be sure to secure your home so that you will have your claim paid if something happens to your home while you are traveling.
• With a homeowners insurance policy, you are covered for vandalism, damage caused by natural events, fire and theft while you are away from home.
• If you're away for an extended period of time, purchase vacant home insurance.

It's important to fully protect your home before you leave on a holiday vacation. Home insurance covers perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and damage caused by certain natural disasters, even when you're not at home. However, there are some reasonable steps you need to take to secure your home or else you may not be able to get a claim payout if you're robbed or your home is destroyed. Let's take a look at what you need to do before you pack.

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1. Take Home Security Measures, Prevent Robbery

Most home insurance policies require you to take reasonable precautions to protect your property when you're away. Failing to take precautions could prevent a claim payout from your insurer if you were negligent in, say, not fixing a broken lock.

During a robbery, 34% of burglars use the front door. First-floor windows make up 23% of entry points used by burglars and 22% use the back door [1]. This is why locking doors and windows with deadbolts and setting alarms is always a good idea.

Keep valuables away from windows or use window treatments to keep your belongings out of sight. Smart lights that turn on and off at intervals can also create the perception that you are home.

2. Properly Store Important Documents

Passports, birth certificates, wills, deeds and insurance policies should be kept in a fireproof safe or a secure offsite location, in case of a flood, fire or burglary.

For 10 more tips and FAQs visit: https://smartfinancial.com/ways-to-protect-your-home-when-you-travel