Insure Your Fun: Things to Check Before You Leave on Vacation

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for many people, that means finalizing vacation plans and preparing for long trips, whether by air, car, or even RV.  Vacations can be incredibly fun and relaxing, but they can quickly turn sour if you are faced with an unexpected issue like word that your home was broken into, or a vehicle breakdown halfway to Thanksgiving lunch.

So what can you do to help your vacation plans turn out as planned?

Check…and Double Check

Nothing is worse than getting a call that your home was broken into when you’re out of town, or even more unfortunate, coming home to find the evidence yourself.  If possible, consider hiring a house-sitter when you’ll be away from home.  Full time sitters will essentially live at your house while you’re away, while a part time sitter may just be hired to come a couple of times each day to check in, get your mail, etc.  If you can’t afford a house-sitter, there are other things you can do to keep your home from becoming a “victim” of a break-in…

• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home, and perhaps even collect your mail each day.
• Do a thorough check of all locks on your home, including on windows.  Go around the outside of your home and attempt to open doors and windows from the outside, making sure they are secure.
• Consider leaving a light or two on inside of your home, in addition to any porch/patio lights. A well-lit home is one less-easily broken into.
• A radio left playing inside can sound like people are present to a potential thief.
• If you keep any spare keys outside of your home for emergencies, make sure to take them with you when you go out of town.

If your home does get broken into, the heartache can be lessened some if you were proactive and made sure that your homeowner’s policy would cover damages from a break-in and/or stolen property.  If you aren’t sure what is covered in your policy, that’s what we’re here for!

Take Care of Your Car

Make sure your car is ready for any long trips ahead by having it serviced shortly before your journey.  This includes having oil changed, tires rotated/checked, and perhaps even a tune-up if it’s been a while since your car got a “check up”.  Having a break down part way through a road trip is a headache, and can turn expensive quickly.

Some auto insurance policies can help offset these expenses by covering towing costs up to a certain extent, and some even help with the cost of a rental vehicle.  Before long trips, it’s wise to know what your policy does and does not cover so you aren’t left with unexpected costs in the event of an emergency.

The same idea is true for your RV or camper.  Make sure they are in top condition before taking them on any long trips.  Since they often serve as your means of transportation AND a place to stay, you don’t want them to break down in the middle of nowhere!

We hope you will consider these tips when you are putting together last minute plans for your Thanksgiving travels.  If you have questions about your policy, or are interested in adding to your current coverage, call Carroll Marshall Insurance.  We are ready to make sure your vacation is relaxing and fun by giving you peace of mind that you are covered in any event that may come up.