Key Takeaways:
- Pull the plugs on non-essential electrical devices before you leave to prevent power surges that could cause accidental fires and save electricity.
- Turn off the main water valve or individual taps to avoid major flooding and costly damage from hidden pipe leaks while the property is empty.
- Combine smart technology, such as timed lighting and cameras, with a trusted neighbour who can collect your mail and check on the property.
- Secure a comprehensive insurance policy that goes beyond basic building cover to protect your actual belongings, furniture, and internal renovations.
Introduction
There is nothing quite like the excitement of counting down to a long-awaited holiday. You have booked the flights, packed your bags, and sorted out your travel plans. Yet, in the rush to get ready to leave, it is very easy to forget what is happening back home. Leaving your property empty for a few weeks creates risks, from simple accidents like a leaking pipe to unexpected breakages.
Good home protection involves more than just locking the front door. True peace of mind comes from taking a few practical steps before you head to the airport. By spending a bit of time securing your house, you can make sure your return home is just as happy as your departure.
Unplug Your Electrical Appliances
One of the easiest ways to keep your house safe is to unplug your electrical appliances. Many devices, such as televisions, microwave ovens, and computers, still draw power when they are left in standby mode. This wastes electricity while you are away, but more importantly, it can be a fire hazard.
Power surges from bad weather or electrical faults can cause plugged-in devices to overheat and catch fire. Unless an appliance needs constant power, like your refrigerator, pull the plug from the wall socket. For basic safety, having a reliable fire insurance policy is a vital foundation for any homeowner. It gives you an important financial safety net if an electrical fault ever causes a fire.
Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Water damage is often quiet and highly destructive. A small, hidden leak from a cracked pipe or a washing machine hose can release thousands of litres of water into your rooms over a single week. When you get back, you could be facing ruined flooring, damaged cabinets, and mould.
Before you leave, take a minute to turn off the main water valve to your home. This simple action completely stops the risk of internal flooding from burst pipes while you are away. If you live in an apartment and cannot easily reach the main valve, make sure to turn off the individual taps for your washing machine, kitchen sinks, and toilets.
Use Smart Home Monitoring
Technology makes it simple to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world. Using a smart home monitoring system lets you receive alerts on your phone if anything unusual happens.
- Security Cameras: Place cameras at your front door or balconies to see who approaches your home.
- Smart Sensors: Put sensors near water pipes to warn you early if a leak starts.
- Smart Plugs: Connect your lamps to timers so they turn on and off at different times in the evening. This makes the house look occupied.
Ask a Neighbour for Help
While technology is great, nothing matches the help of a trusted neighbour or friend. A house that looks empty is more likely to attract unwanted attention. Simple signs like a full mailbox or flyers left at the door show that no one is home.
Before you travel, ask a trusted neighbour to watch your property. You can ask them to collect your mail and clear away any leaflets. If you are going away for a long time, consider leaving a spare key with them or a family member so they can check inside the house occasionally for any unexpected issues.
Choose the Right Home Protection
Taking physical steps to secure your house is important, but true confidence comes from having the right financial backup. Many people believe the basic fire insurance required for their property is enough. However, standard fire insurance usually only covers the bare structure of the building. It does not protect your furniture, appliances, or the expensive renovations you paid for.
To get complete protection, you need a plan that covers the contents inside your walls. Income Insurance offers two distinct options, depending on your needs.
For practical and flexible coverage, Income Insurance’s Enhanced Home Insurance protects your building, renovations, and household items against major events like fires, burst pipes, and theft. It also includes a 24/7 Emergency Home Assistance service to help you address urgent issues such as plumbing or electrical breakdowns.
If you want the highest level of comfort, Income Insurance’s Home Ultimate Protect offers excellent all-risks coverage for your home. This plan protects your building, renovations, and items against almost any accidental loss or damage, unless the cause is specifically excluded in the policy. This means you are covered for a wider range of unexpected accidents.
Secure Your Peace of Mind
Protecting your home while you are away is about taking the right precautions. Unplugging your appliances, shutting off the water, and asking your neighbours for help will significantly reduce your risks. Combining these habits with quality insurance ensures that your hard-earned home stays safe.
Do not leave your home safety to chance. To find the right plan for your property, speak to an Income Insurance advisor today so you can travel with total peace of mind.