Vacation Mode – It’s the New Vibe!

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Remember, your home may be the biggest investment you ever make. The steps you take to better protect it, the more enjoyable your vacation will be!

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When vacation season rolls around, which it will, many of us will be itching to go anywhere but stay home! Preferred Mutual wants to remind you to stay vigilant while you’re enjoying the much-needed time away.

According to the Department of Justice, there are 10% more burglaries in the summertime than in the winter, which happens to be when most of us pack our bags and head out for a vacation.

Here are a few ways you can protect your home so you can live your vacation up to the fullest (you deserve it!):

Lock all windows and doors before you leave!

This might sound obvious, but over 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked window or door. Make sure that prior to your vacation that you check to make sure all doors and windows lock and shut properly – and make repairs as necessary!

Install a Home Security System.

In addition to reducing the chance of your home being burglarized by nearly 300% (now, that’s a big number), many leading systems offer remote access so you can check your home security from your phone. You can even use your device to unlock/lock your doors if you have pets at home in need of care. Preferred Mutual offers a discount for your home insurance premium when you install a security system!

Don’t Forget About Your Garage.

Remember to focus on buttoning up more than just the main body of your home, too. Securing the garage can be vital for protecting your home. Install motion detector lights on the corners of the garage, ensuring the garage service door is locked, and hide anything of real value. If you leave a car in the driveway, be sure to remove the garage door remote! A burglar won’t think twice about breaking into the car and using the remote to access the garage, and potentially, your home.

Tidy Up Your Yard Before Vacation.

Prepare your home for potential natural storms, such as floods or high winds. Things like grills, bikes, patio furniture and tools should be secured in a shed or garage. Not only will this protect the items from damage, but thieves scan the property to see if there is anything of value or to use to help them break into your home.

Consider a House Sitter or Neighborly Check-in!

Enlist the services of a house sitter or neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. He or she can pick up mail or packages left at the door, take garbage and recycling bins to the curb – all of these things are to help hide the fact you are not home!

Take Safety Precautions with Utilities, too.

Protecting your house from a break-in is important, but you also want to avoid problems with utilities, like electricity or water. Unplug appliances, turn off the water valves to all sinks, the dishwasher, and washing machine. Make sure to test your smoke detectors, too!

Remember, your home may be the biggest investment you ever make. The steps you take to better protect it, the more enjoyable your vacation will be! Preferred Mutual offers customizable insurance to meet your needs and your budget, too. From dwelling coverage, to valuable possessions, to liability coverage, Preferred Mutual gives you peace of mind. We call that living assured – It’s our promise to always protect what matters most to you!

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.