Leaving for vacation? Don’t just set your out-of-office reply, make sure your home is truly protected while you’re gone. From break-ins to storm damage, many homeowners are surprised to find out what their policy does and doesn’t cover. Here’s what you need to know before heading out the door.
Q: What should homeowners do before leaving on vacation to protect their property?
A: Before leaving for vacation, homeowners should secure all entry points, pause mail and deliveries, install timers on lights, notify a trusted neighbor, and review their homeowners insurance to confirm coverage for theft and storm-related damage while away.
Your Home May Be Empty—But Risk Moves In
When your house is unoccupied, it can become a magnet for the very things insurance is meant to protect against: theft, water damage, fire, and weather events. The scary part? Many homeowners don’t know their policies may limit or exclude certain coverage if damage occurs while the house is unoccupied for an extended period.
That’s why it’s critical to do two things:
- Physically protect your home.
- Understand your policy—before something goes wrong.
What If There’s a Break-In While You’re Away?
Your standard homeowners policy likely covers theft and vandalism—but here’s the twist: you may not get full reimbursement for everything stolen.
- High-value items like jewelry or collectibles often have limits (as low as $1,500 total).
- Evidence of forced entry is usually required for a claim.
- If someone breaks in and damages your home (like breaking a window), the repairs are likely covered—but read the fine print.
Pro Tip: If you’re keeping expensive items at home while traveling, talk to Rothenberger Insurance about scheduling them on your policy for fuller protection.
What If a Storm Hits While You’re Out?
Let’s say lightning strikes, or a summer storm causes water damage. Here’s where things get interesting:
- Wind, hail, lightning, and fire are typically covered.
- Floods? Not covered by standard homeowners insurance—you’ll need a separate flood policy.
- If a tree crashes into your roof due to a windstorm, that’s usually covered. But the actual removal of the tree is questionable. And if the tree falls because the ground was saturated by a flood? Not so much.
- In areas like Reading or West Lawn, summer storms can strike while you’re away—causing damage you won’t discover for days.
Also: power outages from storms can lead to food spoilage. Many policies cover this up to $500–$1,000—even without a deductible.
6 Smart Things to Do Before You Leave
Want peace of mind while you’re sipping cocktails on the beach? These steps make a big difference:
🔒 Lock every door and window—even the tiny basement ones.
📫 Pause your mail and packages or have someone collect them.
💡 Use timers on lights to make the home look lived in.
🧍♂️ Ask a neighbor or friend to check in.
📸 Document valuables with photos or videos.
📃 Review your insurance policy and talk to your agent about gaps.
A Policy Review Might Be the Most Important Thing You Pack
Vacations are about relaxing—not worrying whether your homeowners insurance will come through if disaster strikes. Rothenberger Insurance Services takes the guesswork out of protection. Our team helps clients in Berks County make sure their coverage fits their lifestyle—including time away from home.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a two-week trip abroad, it’s worth reviewing.
Before You Hit the Road—Let’s Talk
Homeowner’s policies are full of surprises. Some are helpful (like coverage for spoiled food or dorm belongings), and others? Not so much (like that sneaky flood exclusion). Don’t wait until you’re poolside with spotty Wi-Fi to find out you’ve got a gap.
Before you leave town, get a fast, no-pressure review to avoid surprise claim issues later.