Yahoo Finance Going on summer vacation? 9 tips to protect your home and car while you’re away
Whether you’re planning to cross a dream destination off your bucket list this summer, gear up for a family road trip or just go out of town for an impromptu weekend away, there’s nothing like a summer vacation to help you reset and relax.
No matter where your vacation plans take you this year, we've partnered up with TD Insurance to come up with nine simple tips to help protect your home and car from break-ins and other damages while you’re away—so you can ensure your next summer vacation is unforgettable for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.
1. Lock it up
The risk of a break-in causing damage to your home or car, or theft of your property generally increases while you're traveling, which is why doing everything you can to discourage would-be thieves should be right next to packing at the top of your pre-trip to-do list. Begin with the basics: take one last stroll around your home to ensure that every entryway, gate, vehicle, garage door and/or window is fully latched and locked.
There are many modern security systems that can remind you if you’ve left an entrance unsecured. What’s more, making your property more secure by installing a monitored security system may allow for savings on your home insurance premiums if you’re a TD Insurance customer.
2. Ensure valuables are out of sight and out of mind
In addition to ensuring that your home and car are locked up tight, you’ll also want to remove any items from plain sight that might prove tempting to would-be burglars. This means jewellery boxes, important personal documents, spare keys and other valuables should be hidden away. The same goes for your car as well—which is good advice year-round, not just when you’re away on vacation.
3. Keep an eye on things
Once your valuables are safely tucked away, there are a few other things you can do to help discourage break-ins. Conspicuously placed security cameras and bright outdoor lighting on a motion-sensor or timer can help reduce the temptation for a thief to take a closer look. If you’re installing cameras, focus one on your driveway or garage (if you have one) and another on your main entrance(s).
Visible security cameras are great deterrents for potential thefts or break-ins. Today’s cameras typically come with an app that can allow you to quickly review footage or a live feed directly from your phone. They can also usually be set to send you an alert when they’ve been triggered, so you can check in on your property remotely and alert the authorities if needed.
4. Maintain appearances
Setting smart plugs and timers to toggle lights on and off in a believable routine is an easy and inexpensive way to make your house appear lived-in while you’re out of town, or just out for the evening. You may want to ask a neighbour, family member or friend to collect your mail and take out the garbage, or simply keep an eye on things. Just don’t forget to bring them back a souvenir as a thank you! Also, remember to contact your insurance company if you're planning a getaway for a longer period to ensure your home is properly insured while you're on vacation.
5. Take care with what you share
Giving neighbours a heads-up that you’ll be away is one thing. Sharing your vacation plans on social media for anyone and everyone else to see? Not so much. Making travel announcements or otherwise publicizing that you’re out-of-town on social media can potentially attract unwanted attention from the wrong kind of followers: opportunistic thieves. In other words? Wait until you get home to share those brag-worthy travel photos.
6. Take precautions to prevent unwanted accidents
Help prevent burst pipes, fires and other unanticipated damage to your home by ensuring you’ve turned off all water taps, unplugged devices or appliances, and double-checked your stove. If you have items that need to stay plugged in – such as smart home devices – a surge protector can help avoid electrical fires.
Some modern home monitoring systems can do more than just offer security against burglary and theft, they can also alert you to water or carbon monoxide leaks, fires, or smoke, whether you’re out-of-town or just out for the night.
7. Protect your vehicle against theft
With car thefts making headlines across Canada, you’ll want to ensure you’ve secured any vehicles you aren’t planning to take on the road with you. If possible, your vehicle should be stored in a garage or behind a locked gate, and all valuables and personal documents should be removed.
You can also take this time to review your auto insurance coverage, as theft and vandalism are not covered by basic auto insurance policies and require Comprehensive or All Perils coverage. You may also consider having an aftermarket anti-theft tracking device and/or an electronic engine immobilizer professionally installed. Not only can this increase the chances of recovering your vehicle if it’s stolen, but it can also potentially make you eligible for a discount on theft-related coverage if you’re a TD Insurance customer.
8. Driving to your destination? Give your vehicle, and your insurance a once-over
If you’re planning on taking the family car for a road trip, make sure to schedule a checkup if you're due for vehicle maintenance—think brakes, oil, tires, wheel alignment and fluids.
It’s also worth refamiliarizing yourself with your existing insurance coverage before you leave. TD Insurance offers a Grand Touring Solution option which provides coverage for the rental of a replacement vehicle in the event your car is damaged, vandalized or stolen.
You may also be covered for loss or damage to a rental car if you’re travelling in Canada or the US.
9. Give your insurer a heads up
Finally, consider contacting your insurance provider before you go, especially if you’re planning to be away for an extended period. Having a call with a TD Insurance Advisor can help determine if you have any boxes left unchecked, and help you ensure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your home, car and other property while you’re gone.
For the unexpected, TD Insurance also offers travel insurance with 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide to help prepare for any unexpected surprises throwing a wrench in your travel plans, so you can focus on enjoying your well-deserved vacation.
Looking for insurance advice? Explore insurance tips and find the right coverage for your needs at TD Insurance.
TD Insurance residential and personal lines automobile insurance policies are underwritten by Security National Insurance Company, Primmum Insurance Company, TD General Insurance Company, and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company, and are distributed by TD Direct Insurance Agency Inc. and Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services.
Due to provincial legislation, TD Insurance does not offer personal lines automobile insurance products in British Columbia, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan.
