You’ve booked the flights, packed the bags, and even remembered to water the plants before leaving town (go you!). Whether you’re off for a two-week beach vacation or heading south for the season, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good old fashioned summer vacation.
But here’s a friendly reminder: taking a break doesn’t mean you’re immune to risks, and life can still happen even while you’re on vacation.
While you’re away relaxing, life keeps moving back home — and unfortunately, so do potential risks. From frozen pipes to break-ins or even liability issues, things can go sideways when no one’s around to notice. So, before you hop on that plane or head off in your RV, here are a few insurance tips to keep your peace of mind packed right next to your flip-flops.
1). Check Your Home Insurance Before You Leave
If your house is going to be empty for a while, especially for long-term travelers or snowbirds, make sure your homeowners insurance covers extended absences. Some policies have time limits, and certain coverages may be limited if the home is unoccupied.
Quick tip: Let your agent know how long you’ll be gone and ask if you need an endorsement for a vacant or unoccupied home.
2). Update Your Auto Insurance (Even if You’re Not Driving)
If your car will be parked in the garage while you’re away, you might be tempted to cancel or reduce your auto insurance. But hold up! If your vehicle is still registered or financed, dropping coverage could cause headaches (or even penalties).
Instead: Talk to your agent about switching to a “comprehensive-only” policy while it’s in storage. It can still protect your car from theft, fire, or weather damage without paying for unnecessary liability coverage.
3). Snowbirds: Don’t Assume One Policy Covers Two Homes
Owning homes in different states? That’s awesome! But you’ll want to make sure both properties are properly insured, especially if one sits vacant for part of the year. Insurance requirements (and risks) can vary depending on location, climate, and time of year.
Pro tip: Work with an independent agent who can help coordinate your coverage across multiple properties and states.
4). Consider Umbrella Insurance for Extra Protection
Because what summer vacation is complete without a good umbrella?
When you’re away, accidents can still happen. And if something goes wrong, your standard liability coverage might not be enough. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. It provides additional protection beyond your home and auto policies, covering things like major accidents or lawsuits.
Why it matters: If someone slips on your icy sidewalk while you’re out of town, or you’re held liable for damages that exceed your policy limits, umbrella insurance helps pick up where your other policies leave off.
5). Let Someone You Trust Check In
This one’s not exactly an insurance policy, but it might as well be: have a neighbor or friend check on your home while you’re away. Not only can they catch any small issues before they turn into big ones, but some insurance policies even require regular check-ins to maintain full coverage!
Let Us Help You Enjoy Your Summer
Vacations are for relaxing — not worrying about what could go wrong back home. With the right insurance coverage and a little planning, you can fully enjoy your time away knowing you’re protected.
Ready to talk insurance? Get in touch with us today before you hit the road or runway! We’ll make sure you’re fully covered so you can enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest. You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!