Insurance Insights with Brian

Perhaps you recall hearing earlier this year about a burglary in the Massachusetts home of star New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, aka “Gronk,” a crime committed while he played 1,400 miles away at Minneapolis in Super Bowl LII—a game he and his teammates lost. Talk about adding insult to injury.

You and I are as vulnerable as “Gronk” when we’re away and crooks know about it. Obituary-reading thieves, for example, strike while family members leave their home unoccupied to attend a funeral. I once had my car broken into while I sat in a darkened, high-decibel movie theater.

Vacationing is another opportunity for mischief, and AAA recommends that you do certain things, like stopping the mail and the newspaper so they don’t pile up in public view. It’s also a good idea to resist the temptation to post vacation photos on social media while traveling; wait till after you return.

More wisdom that’s borne of away-from-home experience:

If you don’t own several light timers, buy at least two and stagger their settings. Set your living room timer for the time between sunset and normal bedtime; set the bedroom timer for about an hour. If you typically light up other rooms, such as a laundry room, or restroom, set timers to run periodically.

Trusted house sitters can be helpful, but count the cost. We once had to put a friend’s cat down while house sitting for them. Not fun.

Consider purchasing a video doorbell device that allows you to see who’s at your front door through an app on your smartphone.

AAA offers premium discounts on your homeowners’ insurance for installing a home security system. It helps prevent losses.

Vacationing homeowner losses can occur for reasons other than theft. A big one is water damage. Storm damage may be covered in your standard homeowner policy, but not flooding, unless you purchase additional flood coverage. Unless someone housesits, turn off the water supply to individual appliances and toilets. My sister was away on vacation once when a simple plastic tube on her refrigerator’s icemaker failed, its water supply flooding the kitchen and damaging the floor. This hazard is more common than you might think. Fortunately, my sister’s policy covered the repairs.

In summary, taking some of these extra steps can help protect your valuables when you’re away from home, as me, my sister, and “Gronk” have learned.