If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, it’s important to take steps to protect your property and ensure that you’re covered by your home insurance policy. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance provider know that you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time. They may have specific requirements or recommendations for protecting your property while you’re away.
2. Take preventative measures: Before you leave, take preventative measures to protect your property, such as turning off the main water supply, unplugging appliances, and installing timers on lights or setting up a home security system.
3. Ask a friend or neighbor for help: Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. They can check on your home periodically, pick up your mail or packages, and report any unusual activity to you or the authorities.
4. Consider a home monitoring service: Some home insurance providers offer home monitoring services, which can provide 24/7 monitoring of your home for signs of water damage, fire, or other issues.
5. Review your policy: Review your home insurance policy to understand the coverage and exclusions that may apply while you’re away from home. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your property and personal belongings.
6. Keep important documents and valuables in a safe place: Keep important documents, such as your insurance policy and identification, and valuables in a secure location while you’re away. This can help protect them in the event of theft or other issues.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your property and ensure that you’re covered by your home insurance policy while you’re away from home.

How Often Does a House Have to Be Checked for Insurance Purposes?

If you are away from your home for an extended period of time, your insurance provider may have specific requirements or recommendations for how often your home needs to be checked. It’s important to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand any requirements or recommendations.

Here are some general guidelines for home inspections for insurance purposes when you are away:

1. Notify your insurance provider: Let your insurance provider know that you will be away from your home for an extended period of time. They may have specific requirements or recommendations for how often your home needs to be checked.
2. Regular inspections: Your insurance provider may require regular inspections of your home while you are away to ensure that the property is properly maintained and to identify any potential risks.
3. Trusted contact: Consider designating a trusted friend or family member to periodically check on your home while you are away. They can check for any signs of damage or issues and report back to you or your insurance provider if necessary.
4. Home monitoring services: Some insurance providers offer home monitoring services, which can provide 24/7 monitoring of your home for signs of water damage, fire, or other issues.

Creating a Safety Check List When You are Going to Be Away

Creating a safety checklist before you go away from home for an extended period of time can help ensure that your home is secure and protected while you’re away. Here are some items to include on your checklist:

1. Secure all doors and windows: Before you leave, make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked. Consider installing deadbolts or other security measures if your home does not already have them.
2. Turn off the water: Turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent water damage in the event of a leak or other issue.
3. Unplug appliances: Unplug appliances and electronics to save energy and prevent the risk of electrical fires.
4. Set up a home security system: Consider setting up a home security system to monitor your home and detect any signs of intrusion or other issues.
5. Ask a friend or neighbor for help: Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. They can check on your home periodically, pick up your mail or packages, and report any unusual activity to you or the authorities.
6. Set up a timer for lights: Set up a timer for lights to give the appearance that someone is home while you’re away.
7. Stop newspaper and mail delivery: Contact your newspaper and mail delivery services to stop delivery while you’re away to prevent mail and newspapers from piling up and indicating that you’re not home.
8. Keep valuables in a safe place: Keep important documents, such as your insurance policy and identification, and valuables in a secure location while you’re away. This can help protect them in the event of theft or other issues.

By creating a safety checklist before you go away from home, you can help ensure that your property is protected and secure while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to review your home insurance policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand any requirements or recommendations for protecting your home while you’re away.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions related to home insurance when you are away from home:

1. Is my home insurance still valid if I am away from home for an extended period of time?

Your home insurance policy will typically remain valid if you are away from home for an extended period of time, but it’s important to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand any requirements or recommendations for protecting your property while you’re away.

2. Will my home insurance cover theft or damage if I am away from home?

Your home insurance policy may provide coverage for theft or damage to your property while you’re away, but it’s important to review your policy and understand any exclusions or limitations on coverage.

3. Do I need to notify my insurance provider if I am going to be away from home for an extended period of time?

It’s a good idea to notify your insurance provider if you will be away from home for an extended period of time. They may have specific requirements or recommendations for protecting your property while you’re away.

4. What steps should I take to protect my property while I am away?

There are several steps you can take to protect your property while you’re away, such as securing all doors and windows, turning off the water supply, unplugging appliances, setting up a home security system, and asking a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home periodically.

5. Can I make changes to my home insurance policy while I am away from home?

Yes, you can make changes to your home insurance policy while you’re away from home. You should contact your insurance provider to discuss any changes you would like to make to your coverage.

6. Will my home insurance cover additional living expenses if I am away from home?

Your home insurance policy may provide coverage for additional living expenses, such as the cost of temporary housing, if your home is damaged and uninhabitable while you’re away. It’s important to review your policy and understand the terms of coverage for additional living expenses.

It’s important to review your home insurance policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand any requirements or recommendations for protecting your property while you’re away from home. By taking steps to protect your property and ensuring that you have adequate coverage, you can help reduce the risk of damage or issues while you’re away.