How to prepare homes for vacancy this summer

travel-world

How to prepare homes for vacancy this summer

Half of U.S. adults said they are likely to take a vacation this summer, according to a study by The Points Guy and Healthline Media.

After a summer under lockdown in 2020 that caused widespread travel cancellations, many Americans are eager to embark on a trip this summer.

According to a recent study by The Points Guy and Healthline Media, 50% of U.S. adults said they are likely to take at least one vacation from June to September 2021. “Some Americans may not have had a summer vacation since 2019, and so there’s clearly a lot of pent-up demand,” said Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy, in a statement.

This surge in vacations will result in more homes to be vacant this summer. Moreover, as the economy moves into a post-COVID era, homes also will be left unoccupied for several hours most days as adults return to the office and children resume typical summer activities, such as camp.

To help clients prepare for home vacancy this season, Jennifer Wilbert, assistant vice president of personal insurance property at Travelers, offers the following five tips for homeowners:

1. It’s all about maintenance. Before departing on a trip, it’s crucial that homeowners complete a routine maintenance check on their house. Here is a simple checklist to follow:

  • Get the roof inspected, clean gutters, and check downspouts to be sure water moves away from the home.
  • Unplug all unnecessary appliances to reduce energy cost and fire risk.
  • Check smoke detectors and batteries.
  • Set the thermostat to an “away” setting to save energy.
  • Remove dead trees or overhanging limbs from the property.
  • Ask a friend, neighbor or relative if they are available for emergency situations and to monitor the home for any damage.

2. Check water pipes. Twenty-three percent of homeowners insurance claims result from water damage unrelated to weather events, such as leaking pipes, according to Travelers data. Homeowners should schedule an inspection with a plumber to make sure that there are no risk factors for pipes. Consider shutting off the main water valve or asking a neighbor to check to make sure leaks don’t go unnoticed for an extended time.

There also are many smart home solutions that can help detect and alert homeowners of leaks. Water sensors and low-temperature sensors are affordable safeguards to monitor for moisture, and smart shut-off valves automatically turn off the water if a leak is detected. Some insurance providers offer discounts when these types of devices are installed, so homeowners can save on their policies and secure their homes at the same time.

3. Do a deep clean. It’s a nice perk to walk into a clean home after a long trip, but doing a deep clean before going on vacation can also prevent things from going awry, like a bug or rodent infestation. Be sure to mop and vacuum the floors, scrub the toilets and sinks, and dispose of any perishables that could go bad.

4. Fend off burglars. Making it look like someone is home can help thwart thieves from a break-in and offer homeowners peace of mind. Program any smart electronics, like a TV or radio, to come on at a certain time to show activity. Arrange to have mail and package deliveries forwarded, hire someone to mow the lawn, and set up motion-sensitive exterior lights or internal lights on timers.

In case someone does break in, confirm that alarm systems are working and activated upon leaving, store valuables in a safe deposit box or secure location outside the home, and secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks.

5. Consult an insurance agent. Even with thorough preparation, things can still go wrong while away, so homeowners should make sure their insurance policy has them covered should an emergency pop up during their trip. Encourage clients to check in with their insurance agent to ensure their policies includes home vacancy as well as for any savings that they may be able to take advantage of due to the use of smart, preventative measures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related posts

Audits

Insurance Mergers and Acquisitions Hold Steady in 2024

Despite a slight decline in overall insurance M&A activity, the industry remains at pre-pandemic transaction levels, signaling a resilient and evolving marketplace. According to a recent OPTIS Partners report, 750 insurance agency mergers and acquisitions were announced in 2024, a 10% drop from the 833 recorded in 2023. However, activity picked up in the latter half of the year, with a 21% increase over the first half, demonstrating sustained investor confidence. “The M&A market remains stable, with no rush to close year-end deals for the second consecutive year,” said Tim Cunningham, managing partner of OPTIS Partners. “We anticipate more large-scale transactions in the next 12 to 24 months, as firms continue to seek growth through strategic acquisitions.” What This Means for Skyscraper Insurance At Skyscraper Insurance, we understand the impact of these market shifts and remain committed to delivering top-tier risk management solutions. As industry giants consolidate, we continue to prioritize personalized service, innovative coverage solutions, and strategic growth to better serve our clients. Key 2024 Transactions ✅ AON Acquires NFP – AON completed a $13 billion deal to acquire NFP, a firm with $2.2 billion in revenue.✅ Marsh McLennan Expands with McGriff Insurance Services – A $7.75 billion acquisition strengthens Marsh’s footprint.✅ Arthur J. Gallagher Secures AssuredPartners – A $13.45 billion agreement set to finalize in early 2025. As major players reshape the landscape, Skyscraper Insurance remains a trusted partner for businesses navigating today’s complex risk environment. Our expertise in risk management and tailored insurance solutions ensures that clients continue to receive industry-leading protection. #WeShareYourVisionForABetterTomorrow#SkyscraperInsurance #RiskManagement #MergersAndAcquisitions #InsuranceIndustry

Read More
Technology

13 Ways AI Moves Insurance Marketing Forward

As professionals in the insurance industry, we at Skyscraper Insurance understand the allure of innovation. Much like a classic car enthusiast admires shiny, powerful machines, we embrace the transformative power of technology—especially when artificial intelligence (AI) drives forward insurance marketing. AI is not just a buzzword; it represents a monumental leap in marketing capabilities. But with this powerful tool, we must ask: Are we ready to harness its full potential responsibly? AI promises to revolutionize marketing, elevating our strategies from traditional methods to cutting-edge, data-driven practices. By understanding where and how to apply AI, Skyscraper Insurance aims to refine our marketing campaigns and achieve unparalleled success. The Enduring Value of Traditional Marketing Classic marketing methods—relationship-building, personalized service, and human intuition—remain integral to insurance. Strategies like direct mail, in-person networking, and grassroots campaigns resonate deeply within our industry. However, these approaches, much like vintage cars, can be labor-intensive and lack the scalability and efficiency of modern methods. To stay competitive, traditional marketing must evolve. By integrating digital tools into classic strategies, we can modernize our outreach while retaining its personal touch. At Skyscraper Insurance, we blend time-tested methods with advanced metrics, ensuring our campaigns are both effective and enduring. How AI Powers Precision in Marketing AI introduces unparalleled precision and efficiency into insurance marketing. Think of it as the most advanced smart vehicle—equipped with adaptive technology that enhances every journey. With AI, Skyscraper Insurance can: These tools allow us to navigate marketing challenges with the confidence of a self-driving system, ensuring smarter and safer campaigns. The Evolution of SEO Through AI AI is reshaping search engine optimization (SEO), enhancing traditional practices with cutting-edge capabilities: By integrating AI into SEO strategies, Skyscraper Insurance ensures our content remains visible and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Adapting for AI Platforms As AI platforms like ChatGPT redefine content discovery, we focus on: Balancing traditional SEO with AI-driven strategies keeps our content effective across diverse platforms. Finding Harmony Between Tradition and Innovation At Skyscraper Insurance, we believe in blending the best of traditional marketing with the advancements of AI. Just as a classic car enthusiast might upgrade their vehicle without losing its charm, we integrate AI to enhance human relationships and intuition. Driving Forward With Confidence As we navigate the future of insurance marketing, Skyscraper Insurance combines the reliability of traditional methods with the innovation of AI. This dual approach ensures we stay ahead in delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions to our clients. Whether fine-tuning classic strategies or adopting AI-powered tools, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals with precision and care. At Skyscraper Insurance, #WeShareYourVisionForABetterTomorrow.

Read More
Try your instant quote