Protecting Your Valuables This Travel Season

Leaving home unattended for a holiday trip can be a source of stress for many homeowners – but it doesn’t have to be. At Weiser, we believe that peace of mind comes from knowing that everything you love is protected in case of a loss. Here are some measures you can take to enjoy a stress-free holiday season, knowing that your valuables are covered.

Protect Against Water Damage

Though we more often talk of insurance claims due to wildfires, the most frequent type of insurance claim in California is actually a water-related claim. Dishwashers or pipes exploding while you’re not home can lead to significant damage. Weiser recommends investing in an auto water shut-off valve, as they can be incredibly useful in protecting your space. These smart water valves are a one-time investment that’s usually less than $1000. These devices can connect to pipes, detect increased water use, and send a notification to your phone to alert you of a sudden spike in water which is likely indicative of a leak or pipe burst. Planning ahead with technology like this can allow you to act quickly to turn the water off from your smartphone and protect your home even when you’re away.

Jewelry Coverage

Protecting engagement rings, timepieces, and other sentimental pieces is of the utmost importance when traveling. If you are taking these valuable items with you (and even if you’re not), Weiser recommends implementing a ‘floater’ policy. Without a policy like this, each item of jewelry may only be covered up to $1000 per item and $2,500 in total for an entire jewelry collection. An insurance policy that covers a specific piece of jewelry can provide protection even if an item is simply misplaced. Without that specific policy, jewelry and similar items are only covered if stolen or damaged in a covered claim like a fire.  Insure your rings, Rolexes, and any other high-valued items ahead of time to get a replacement at full value in case it’s lost while traveling.

If you’re leaving these items at home, it’s crucial to take the extra step to never leave valuables in plain sight. Consider locking valuables in a home safe that’s bolted/secured or a safe deposit box at your financial institution. Consider engraving these items as a simple precaution to make them easily identifiable if stolen.

Prep Your Home

Prep your home as you prep yourself. Of course, alarm systems are crucial for ensuring peace of mind while away. They deter crime, allow remote access to your home, protect valuables, and, most importantly, give you peace of mind to enjoy your vacation. Make sure alarms are in working order before taking off. 

When it comes to prepping your home, the inside is just as important as the outside. Living in California, we know that wildfires are a continual risk. The Weiser Agency recommends having your gutters routinely cleaned, removing debris from your yard, and protecting your outdoor living spaces by bringing in any flammable items, such as lawn furniture and umbrellas.

Coverage with Weiser

Although all of these precautions will decrease the chances of loss, there’s nothing more secure than having an insurance expert review your protection. You’ll want to check to see if your home or renters policy includes coverage for items while in transit or, if you intend to travel for a longer time, items at a temporary second residence. The Weiser Team is fully equipped to make sure you are properly covered both at home and away.