The holidays may be over, and for some, that means a lot less traveling. However, many individuals are on the move on a regular basis and leaving for extended periods of time makes your home is vulnerable to theft. Most burglaries revolve around individuals looking for a way to access expensive items they can sell quickly for cash. Protect your home and your personal property with these easy tips.
- Don’t Advertise You’ll Be Away
This step should be the first on everyone’s list. Social media is an excellent form of communication, but you don’t want to use it to broadcast to everyone you will be away and that your home is going to be vacant. The best option is to wait and talk about your trip once you are back instead of letting everyone know when and for how long you’re gone.
- Install Timers
Thieves are looking for quick ways to snatch and grab items. You can make your home look occupied with the installation of timers. With the advancement of modern technology, you can get them for both inside and outside the home to make it look like someone is always there.
- Maintain Your Lawn
It might seem like a good idea to save some money by not having your landscapers stop-by while you are away, but employing a trusted company to keep up appearances helps deter thieves by giving them the impression someone is around. If you don’t have a landscaping service, you could always enlist a neighbor or family member.
- Don’t Let Your Mail Pile Up
In addition to keeping your lawn organized, you’ll want to make sure your mail doesn’t pile up either. You can manage this by putting a hold on your delivery through your local post office. If you have a neighbor you can trust or family nearby enlist their help to collect your mail on a daily basis.
- Keep Expensive Items Out of Sight
It may seem a little too obvious to keep expensive items out of sight, but this particular step is often neglected. When you purchase expensive electronics, don’t leave the boxes lying around outside when you’re away. Dispose of them discreetly. Additionally, if you have a large, expensive TV, try to keep the blinds/curtains drawn, so you aren’t advertising to robbers that you own something so valuable.
- Let Someone Park in Your Driveway
Most home robberies happen during the day, and when your home looks empty, it can become a target. If you know you are leaving town for awhile, you can always offer a neighbor to park their car in your driveway. It gives the illusion that someone is home, and most people will probably be thankful for the extra space.
- Check Your Locks
Thieves want to get in and out with no trouble. Surprisingly enough, many thieves enter the home through unlocked doors and windows. If you often travel for work or have an upcoming trip planned, make sure to check all the locks on your home before you leave. Some insurance policies will not reimburse for lost or stolen property if it is proven that you neglected to secure your home.
- Invest in a Security System
A security system provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance, and many home insurance companies offer discounts to anyone who has one installed. Typically, when the alarm is tripped, an agent calls the homeowner to identify the problem who can then confirm whether it’s a false alarm or actual break-in. In the instance there is a need for assistance, local authorities are called to the scene. When choosing an option, look for a customizable system that offers one-touch police, medical, and fire panic buttons as well as a duress code.
- Have a Police Officer Inspect Your Home
No one will know the security of your home better than local law enforcement. They deal with home robberies on a daily basis and can help you identify weakness around your property. Additionally, they are excellent resources for information about the area you live in and how often they deal with burglaries to give you peace of mind.
- Get Homeowners Insurance
Most mortgage lenders require their homeowners to invest in insurance, but if you are residing in a home without a policy, it’s time to get one. The average coverage includes damages to the property like fire, hail, or water, but not all include insurance in the case of a break-in. Ensure you are doing the most to protect your home by asking your homeowners insurance company about dwelling and personal property coverage. The dwelling coverage helps cover the cost of repairs from the damage of a robbery. Personal property coverage covers the cost of replacing or repairing items that were stolen.
For a free home insurance quote or to review your existing policy with one of our agents, Contact Royce Williams Insurance today!
