November 18, 2011

Holiday travel – is your home protected while you’re away?

by RBC Insurance

For many Canadians, protecting their home from burglary prior to a vacation is often secondary to preparing for the trip itself. But no matter where you live, your income or your lifestyle, crime is a fact of life.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, in 2005, theft accounted for 18 per cent of all homeowner insurance claims. Making sure your property is protected while you’re away will ensure you’re better able to enjoy the holidays.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you leave:

➢ Ask a trusted neighbour to regularly check on your home for anything out of the ordinary.

➢ Set timers on interior and exterior lights or leave a few lights on in your house.

➢ Review your current home insurance policy to ensure it’s up-to-date.

➢ Ensure your house appears lived in. Hire someone to shovel your walkways and cancel newspaper and mail delivery or have someone pick them up.

➢ Ask a neighbour to park an additional car in your driveway.

➢ Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside. Burglars routinely check welcome mats and window ledges.

➢ Install reliable dead-bolt door locks and sturdy window latches to help prevent break-ins.

➢ Store valuable jewellery and documents in a safe deposit box.

➢ Notify your alarm company if you’re taking an extended vacation.

So when you leave for your next holiday, make sure you’ve considered all of these points. You’ll feel better knowing that while you are away, you’ve taken as many precautions as you could have to ensure your home is safe.

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This article was provided by RBC Insurance. If you want more information, you can contact a licensed RBC Insurance advisor at 1-800-ROYAL-68, visit rbcinsurance.com, or visit an RBC insurance branch near you.

Home, auto and travel insurance is underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company or RBC Insurance Company of Canada. Life and health insurance is underwritten by RBC Life Insurance Company.