The risks and rewards of owning a second home.
You have worked hard, been smart with your investments, and rewarded you and your family by purchasing a second home. Second homes are a wonderful break from work and our daily routines, and there’s nothing like driving to your vacation home, parking in your own garage, and going to your own refrigerator when you need a cold drink.
Second homes, however, do present their own set of risks. Below are a few recommendations that will lower the likelihood of an accident or damage to your home and the hassles of an insurance claim.
WATER: Always turn the water off when you leave. Not only have you made a financial investment in your home but an emotional investment as well. There is nothing worse than discovering a water line has burst while you are away, causing extensive damage. Make your second home experience more relaxing and rewarding by turning off the water when the home is not in use.
MOEN Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff – Flo Smart Water Monitor | Flo Smart Water Shut Off | Moen. Have your plumber install a MOEN. Nothing is more reassuring than checking your app or receiving notifications that your vacation home is safe from water damage. Lance Anderson has installed a MOEN Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff valve in his second home and appreciates the comfort the system gives him. If you are insured with Safeco or Liberty Mutual, you can click here for additional savings and information: Safeco Insurance with Installation – Moen
SECURITY CAMERAS – Are an inexpensive way to add security to a second home. Today’s cameras are easy to install and can be monitored yourself or by a company. Insurance companies may require that larger second homes be centrally monitored. Consider Ring Home Security Systems – Cameras, Alarms, Doorbells | Ring, Simplysafe SimpliSafe Home Security Systems | Wireless Home Security Alarms, or a professionally installed and monitored system for your home.
GARAGE DOORS – Newer versions of garage door openers include my Q myQ | Smart Access Solutions for Home & Business cameras so you can open and close your garage door remotely and see your garage when you are not there. My Q also offers cameras and other security products.
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS – Is one of the best things you can do. Exchange phone numbers, keep an eye on each others properties and reach out if you see anything out of the ordinary.
MAINTAIN YOUR LANDSCAPING AND EXTERIOR – A well-maintained home is a deterent to theives and encourages those around you to keep an eye on your home.
HOUSE RULES – Your second home is your home and you should set the rules of who can and can’t use it right from the start. If others use your home, make sure they follow your rules.
These are just a few of the things that can help keep your second home safe and secure. Your spouse, family and insurance company, will thank you for taking a few additional steps to limit accidents that can happen while you are away.
In addition to these recommendations, here are a few other second-home tips to consider.
WHEN UNOCCUPIED – Turn your thermostat down to 55-60 degrees in the winter and no higher than 80 degrees in the summer. This will help keep pipes from freezing and mildew and mold from growing. Turn your water heater to the vacation setting to conserve energy. Unplug chargers for ebikes and other items in your garage. Do a final walkthrough to ensure that all doors and windows are secure.
Above all, enjoy your second home, you clearly worked hard and have earned it. Protect it with modern technology that is easy and affordable to use.
For insurance on your second home, or vacation home, reach out to a knowledgeable agent at Anderson Insurance Group today.
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Anderson Insurance Group – Salt Lake City, Utah – 801-262-1551