April 4, 2025
- Home is certainly one of the most significant assets you own, as you have invested a considerable amount of money in acquiring it. Thus, it is essential to keep it well-maintained and take preventive actions to avert losses due to unforeseen incidents. When a house is left empty or unoccupied for an extended period, it becomes increasingly susceptible to damages that could arise from fire, theft, natural disasters, or any unexpected occurrences. Hence, it is always recommended to have property insurance for your home, which will provide coverage for losses against any unwelcome events.
- Here are some maintenance tips for vacant homes, which you can adopt to keep your residence safe.
- Lock and secure all windows and doors
Make sure to lock all windows and doors in your home before departing. While this may seem obvious, it’s possible to forget to verify the locks during a hectic and stressful move. Most individuals moving out of a home are not only eager to reach their new location but are also busy overseeing movers or loading a truck. Consequently, double-checking the locks can easily slip down the priority list. However, it’s one of the most critical steps to safeguarding your home when you plan to leave it empty. - Install More Lighting
Adding adequate lighting both inside and outside of the home serves as a deterrent against potential vandals or thieves, as it gives the impression that someone is present. Set up motion-activated outdoor lights to illuminate when someone enters your property, which may help frighten them away. Use a timer on indoor lights, particularly in the rooms that face the street, to create the illusion that someone is at home. - Keep Your Neighbors in the Loop
Be sure to inform your neighbors when your home is unoccupied. Before leaving, talk to your neighbors about your plans and the duration of the vacancy. Neighbors can be excellent observers around your place when you can’t be present. Ensure they have your contact information in case they notice anything unusual or suspicious occurring on your property. It’s also advisable to leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member who resides nearby. This way, you can authorize access if someone needs to enter the house, such as a relative or even a police officer. Maintenance professionals like plumbers, painters, etc. , can enter the home as necessary. - Consider purchasing a vacant home insurance policy
If you are leaving your home vacant, it is prudent to obtain a vacant home insurance policy. Most insurance plans will protect against vandalism and certain disasters, such as fire, lightning, theft, and more. Reach out to your current home insurance provider to inquire about your existing plan and their vacant home coverage options. - Check the plumbing
Water intrusion can be one of the most expensive types of damage. Therefore, ensure the plumbing is drained prior to any prolonged period of vacancy. Additionally, if cold temperatures are anticipated, make certain the heat stays on to prevent pipe bursts. - Install Security Cameras
It is advisable to place security cameras in appropriate areas within your home. This will enhance safety, and since the cameras are noticeable, they can serve as a deterrent. Nevertheless, if you encounter vandalism or theft, these security cameras can assist in identifying the culprits.
Conclusion
You are never alerted about unfortunate incidents that could result in significant damages to your home. Hence, it is essential to adhere to the tips mentioned above to keep your unoccupied home safe. Furthermore, it is advisable to opt for HDFC ERGO property insurance to protect your home against any unexpected events.
Disclaimer:
The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. For more information, please consult the policy wording and prospectus before finalizing the sale.
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