Home Security Tips

While you're off on vacation, make sure you don't leave home without packing up a little peace-of-mind. There are things you can do to help safeguard your property and your travel plans to help ensure that your trip doesn't have you wishing you'd never left in the first place!

Protecting Your Home While You're Away

Don't let your dream vacation turn your house into a burglar's dream home! Here is a quick checklist to help give your house "that lived in look," even when you're off sipping margaritas or visiting grandma.

• Leave blinds open in their usual position.

• Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office.

• Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.

• Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.

• Stop newspaper deliveries.

• Ask a friend to pick-up "throw-away" newspapers and circulars.

• Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer.

• Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what's happening in your area—working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.

Check Coverage on Your Homeowners or Renters Policy

Before you leave take a few minutes to check your homeowners or renters policy. It will usually provide coverage for off-premises theft. So, for example, if your luggage is stolen, your insurer will pay to replace it, less the deductible.

If you are traveling with expensive electronic equipment, jewelry or sporting gear, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a "floater" or endorsement to your homeowners or renters policy. The cost to insure a $1,000 ring would be between $10 and $40 annually. This would provide full coverage for the item, anywhere in the world, usually for one year.

Other considerations while you're away: Rental Car Insurance and Travel Insurance