Leaving your home for an extended period, whether for a vacation, business trip, or an extended stay elsewhere, requires more than simply locking the door behind you. Alberta homeowners need to be mindful of insurance requirements and potential risks when they are away, especially if their absence stretches into weeks or months. To keep your home secure and ensure your coverage remains intact, it’s essential to follow some key best practices.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your home while you’re away:
1. Understand the Difference Between “Away” and “Vacant”
When it comes to your home, insurers make a clear distinction between being “away” and the home being “vacant.” This distinction isn’t just a matter of how long you’re gone; it also depends on your intentions and how your home is maintained in your absence.
Away: If you’re simply away for a few days or weeks, and you plan to return soon, your home is considered “temporarily unoccupied.” However, in Alberta, most insurers require that your property is checked if you’re away for more than 4 consecutive days during colder months.
Vacant: On the other hand, a home is considered vacant after around 30 days without habitation or regular oversight, with no immediate intention to return. Vacant homes are at greater risk for issues like theft, vandalism, and damage, and insurance companies often reduce or even cancel certain coverages after this period.
A helpful way to remember these distinctions is the “4 days, 4 weeks rule”:
- 4 days: Have someone check on your home if you’re gone for more than 4 days.
- 4 weeks (30 days): After 30 days, your home may be classified as vacant, triggering different insurance requirements.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company if You’ll Be Away
Extended absences, especially beyond 30 days, can trigger specific clauses in your home insurance policy. Many insurers offer vacancy permits or special endorsements to cover your home during longer absences, but these often come with conditions, such as increased premiums or reduced coverage for risks like theft or vandalism.
By notifying your insurer, you ensure that your policy stays up to date and you understand what’s covered during your time away.
3. Make Sure Someone Checks In Regularly
Regular check-ins are crucial, particularly if you’re away during Alberta’s winter months. Frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns, and other heating-related issues are common causes of damage that can escalate quickly if left unchecked. Many insurance policies specify that someone, whether a neighbor, friend, or house-sitting service, must enter the home and physically check that everything is functioning properly.
Setting up a schedule for check-ins can help you remain compliant with your insurance policy while reducing the risk of damage going unnoticed.
4. Secure Your Property
A home that looks obviously vacant is a magnet for potential thieves or vandals. Even if you’re only gone for a short period, take steps to make your home appear occupied:
- Lights and timers: Use smart plugs or timers to have lights turn on and off at different times. Consider installing motion-activated outdoor lights for added security.
- Stop mail and deliveries: Piled-up mail or packages are clear signs that no one is home. Ask the post office to hold your mail or ask a neighbor to pick it up.
- Maintain the exterior: If you’re away during the winter, arrange for someone to shovel snow. In summer, have someone mow the lawn or take care of the garden. Keeping your home’s exterior well-maintained helps it blend in with the neighborhood and reduces the risk of someone noticing your absence.
5. Prepare Your Home Before You Leave
Beyond having someone check in regularly, there are several steps you should take to safeguard your home before you leave:
- Turn off the water supply: One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent water damage is to shut off the water supply before you leave. For extra peace of mind, drain the pipes by running your taps until they are empty.
- Unplug electronics: Unplugging appliances like TVs, computers, and kitchen gadgets not only reduces the risk of fire but also saves energy.
- Check smoke detectors and security systems: Ensure your smoke detectors and any security alarms are working properly. If you have a home monitoring service, let them know you’ll be away and confirm that they have your updated contact information.
6. Consider Additional Home Security
If you’re planning to be away for an extended period, consider investing in additional home security measures. A monitored alarm system, cameras, or smart doorbells can provide extra protection and allow you to check on your home remotely. Many modern security systems come with apps that alert you to any unusual activity, providing peace of mind while you’re away.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended trip, safeguarding your home and understanding your insurance coverage is essential. By following the 4 days, 4 weeks rule, notifying your insurer, securing regular check-ins, and taking extra precautions, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about potential issues back home.
Remember, your home is one of your most valuable assets—taking a few extra steps before you leave ensures it stays protected until your return.
