Check if your home insurance provides coverage during holiday seasons.
When embarking on a lengthy vacation, it's essential to consider the precautions and requirements for home insurance to ensure your property and possessions are adequately protected.
### Precautions for Home Insurance During a Prolonged Vacation
Maintaining the appearance of an occupied home is crucial in deterring potential burglars. Arrange for trusted friends, family members, or neighbours to check on your home regularly[3]. Keep an updated inventory of your belongings to ensure everything is accounted for upon your return[3]. Secure your home by locking all doors and windows, and consider investing in a home security system[3]. Minimise your online presence by avoiding posting about your absence on social media[3]. To prevent water damage, shut off the main water supply if possible[3].
### Insurance Requirements for Outdoor Equipment and Seasonal Rental
Standard homeowners insurance may not cover outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tools, and pool equipment. Consult your insurance agent to determine if additional coverage is necessary for high-value items[2][4]. Ensure that outdoor equipment is properly secured to prevent theft[2].
If you rent out your home during your vacation, a separate rental insurance policy is likely required. Standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover business-related activities like renting[4]. Ensure that your rental insurance policy covers liability for injuries on the property and damages caused by renters[4]. Consider coverage for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to damage or other issues[4]. Inform your insurer about rental activities to avoid policy violations and potential claim denials[4].
### Additional Considerations
If your home will be empty for an extended period, you may need a vacant home insurance endorsement to ensure coverage[1]. Even if you are not renting out your home, extended trips may require additional coverage for your unoccupied residence[1][3].
It's crucial to consult with an insurance agent to tailor a policy that meets your specific needs and situation[2][4]. The cost of adding an extension to the policy for outdoor equipment can range from a few dozen to a hundred euros per year[5]. Carefully review the clauses of your home insurance contract before a prolonged absence from your primary residence[6].
Remember, failing to follow these precautions may result in reduced or refused compensation in case of a claim (theft, water damage, etc.)[7]. If you are away from your primary residence for a longer period, you might not be as well covered, or not covered at all[8].
For more in-depth insights into the future of insurance, be sure to read "Will we still be able to insure ourselves tomorrow?" (reserved for subscribers)[9]. Olivier Moustacakis, co-founder of Assurland, offers valuable insights in this article.
[1] Vacation rental insurance may cover material damage caused to the temporarily occupied property. [2] The specifics of what outdoor equipment is covered by the extension and the exact cost vary depending on the items and the insurance provider. [3] Vacation rental properties may be covered by vacation rental insurance. [4] The specifics of vacation rental insurance may vary depending on the insurance provider. [5] It is important to notify your insurer immediately upon discovery of a claim. [6] Most home insurance contracts have maximum unoccupied periods, usually ninety days. [7] Some home insurance policies require preventative measures like turning off water supplies, setting the alarm, locking doors, windows, and shutters. [8] Notification period for a claim in vacation rental insurance is five days from the discovery of the claim, reduced to two for thefts. [9] Outdoor equipment, such as pools, fences, garden sheds, or plants, are usually not covered by default in home insurance policies. [10] Vacation rental insurance may be subject to specific terms and conditions set by the insurance provider. [11] The cost of vacation rental insurance may not be specified in the article. [12] Coverage for vacation rental properties can be included in a contract or activated by adding an extension. [13] Olivier Moustacakis is the co-founder of Assurland. [14] The article "Will we still be able to insure ourselves tomorrow?" is reserved for subscribers. [15] Insurers can dispatch professionals (locksmith, plumber, security company) to secure the premises quickly upon notification of a claim.
When preparing for a prolonged vacation, it's vital to consider not only home insurance precautions for your property but also home-and-garden safety measures, such as securing outdoor equipment like lawnmowers and garden tools to prevent theft. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced lifestyle during your vacation requires considering the need for vacation rental insurance to protect your property if you choose to rent it out, as standard homeowners insurance may not cover business-activities like renting.
