Family vacation? Here's how to protect your home

Planning a vacation is always exciting, especially when it means some time away from the office and a chance to enjoy the tropics carefree with your family. Unfortunately, your house, condo, or apartment is most at risk when left unoccupied. Problems can accumulate over time and lead to significant losses. Furthermore, thieves may find an empty home more appealing, meaning you're more vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

Panda7 understands the need for family vacations, but also wants you to have peace of mind while your home remains unoccupied. Here are some tips on how best to protect the place you call "home" while you and your family are away.

Hire a house sitter.

In some cases, insurers may require someone to check on your home approximately every 48 hours. This may seem like a lot, but a house sitter can check all of your home's systems—plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.—to ensure there's no risk of damage accumulating over time. If you wish, they can even keep a log of what was checked while you were away. Their inspection should include the basement, yard, and bathrooms.

Depending on the length of your absence, you can even ask your house sitter to take care of your lawn or occasionally turn on your lights during the day to give the impression that they are busy. They can also collect any mail that might accumulate. This will deter thieves.

Make sure your home is secure before you leave.

Before leaving for vacation, be sure to take a few moments amidst the hustle and bustle of going out to assess whether your home is secure. Windows and entrances should be closed and locked. Garages, sheds, and other areas should also be closed and secured.

If you have a security system or motion detectors, make sure they are working and activated before you leave. (Did you also know that some security systems are approved for insurance rebates? Check with your broker to see if your system qualifies.)

Consider the following options:

• Fire sprinkler system
• Security alarm
• Sump pump and non-return valve
• Motion-activated lights
• Surveillance cameras

All these elements can serve as both deterrents and systems to mitigate potential risks of damage to your house or apartment/condo, both while you are away and while you are at home.

Turn off your water.

Did you know that in most Canadian provinces, water is the leading cause of home insurance claims? Water is an even greater threat when you're away from home, as small problems can accumulate over time and worsen. It would be wise to hire a house sitter or ask a friend and/or neighbour to check on your home occasionally, which can help detect any issues before they escalate. You might also consider temporarily shutting off the water to avoid any unpleasant surprises. This is especially important if you're leaving during the colder months, when pipes can freeze.

Insurance and vacation.

If you had to leave your home when something disastrous happened, like a water leak or a burglary, would you be covered? Well, that depends on your insurer. In most cases, as long as you fulfill your obligations as a homeowner—that is, have your house looked after by a caretaker, a friend, or a neighbor—you should have coverage for everything that would normally be included in your policy.

According to the police, a house is considered empty or "vacant" after a certain period of time. In most cases, this takes about 48 hours, but some providers may allow up to 72 hours. A "long-term vacancy" is generally a period of 30 to 60 days. Even a short-term vacancy, without someone checking on your house, can affect your coverage. That's why it's always essential to have someone check on your house as often as possible.

If it is available to you, you may have the option to purchase an add-on to your existing home or condo insurance, or even a separate "vacant home" insurance policy.

Speak with a broker if you plan to go on vacation in the near future and what your job should be to ensure you are in the best possible position to protect your home and ensure that, if something happens, your home insurance coverage or condo policy would still protect you.