Planning a vacation? There are a lot of things to remember when going on a holiday, and without fail something always seems to get forgotten or left behind (or maybe that’s just us?).
We thought it may be helpful to provide a checklist of important items to address or remember before taking your next vacation!
Winter:
- Turn off the water and drain the pipes in your home to avoid freezing and possible water damage (click here for instructions on how to do this).
- Consider installing a Guardian system as backup.
- Adjust your thermostat.
- If your vehicle(s) will be parked in your garage/driveway while away, contact your Insurance Broker to reduce coverage and save some money.
- Have someone check on your home regularly (refer to your property insurance policy wordings to determine the requirement of your Insurance Company, or contact your Broker for assistance).
- Have someone shovel your walk/driveway.
- Put your mail on hold, or have someone check your mail and remove flyers from your front step.
Summer:
- Have someone check on your home regularly (refer to your property insurance policy wordings to determine the requirement of your Insurance Company, or contact your Broker for assistance).
- Have someone mow your lawn/weed your garden.
- Put your mail on hold, or have someone check your mail and remove flyers from your front step.
Anytime:
- Put your radio/lights on a timer to make it look like someone is home.
- Remove any spare hidden keys from outside while you are away.
- Close your curtains/blinds.
- Water your plants or arrange for someone to water them while you are away.
- Get rid of any food in your fridge that may spoil while you are gone.
- Schedule a ‘Click and Collect’ from Superstore or your other favorite grocery store to be ready for the day you come home.
- Wash any dirty clothes and remove any wet clothes from the washing machine.
- Pay any bills that will come due while you are away.
- Unplug any electronics that will not be used while you are away.
- Arrange for pet care, if needed.
- Set up an Out of Office reply for any work email addresses you may have.
- Contact your credit card company to let them know when and where you will be travelling.
- Copy (electronic or hard copy) important documents such as your passport, drivers licence and credit card in case you lose them while on vacation.
- Do not post on social media that you will be going on vacation. Save posting your pictures for when you are back!
- Get travel insurance to protect you and your family while you are out of the province or country.
We hope you have found these tips helpful. If you have anything to add to our list, we would love to hear from you!
Thank you,
The Costen Insurance Team
