How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

When you have an upcoming vacation, you are not thinking about the property that you are leaving behind. However, it is important to ensure your home is going to be protected from burglary and theft while you are away. The last thing you want to do when you return home from your family vacation is call us at Capretta Insurance Agency to file an insurance claim because your Parma, OH home was broken into. Here are a few things you can do to offer peace of mind while on your vacation.

Don’t Post About Your Vacation Until You’re Back Home

Going on a vacation means having fun and taking lots of pictures so you have them later for memories. In this day and age, pictures are immediately shared on social media. However, this lets the world know that you are away from home. While you may assume that your posts are private, they could potentially be accessed by someone who is looking for a property to target. Therefore, it is best to share your experiences once you return.

Have a Trusted Friend or Family Member Stop by the House Daily

Consider leaving a key with someone that you trust and having them stop by your home at least once a day. It is best for these daily visits to be at different times. It will make it seem like your home is occupied, and in the event that there is a problem in your home, it can be addressed quickly.

Hold Your Mail Temporarily

It is important that you place a hold on your mail until you return from your vacation. Thieves take notice of overflowing mailboxes and know that no one is home, signaling that the home is a potential option for burglary.

Install Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Outdoor motion detection lights will switch on when anyone gets too close to your property after dark. Whether you are home or on vacation, these can be great preventative security measures.

If you want to protect your Parma, OH home and belongings while at home or on vacation, contact us at Capretta Insurance Agency. We will assess your risk and determine the proper amount of home insurance that is best suited for you.

What is a home inventory and why do I need one?

As a homeowner, the last thing you want to think about is filing a claim with your home insurance company. Even if you don’t want to think about it, the reality is that 1 in 20 homeowners file a claim every year. That’s about 5% which means there is a pretty good chance that over the years of your homeownership, you will file a claim. Having a good insurance company on your side makes a big difference. At Capretta Insurance Agency in Parma, OH we have been servicing local residents since 1985. We strive to treat our customers with fairness and respect. We work with each of our customers to provide a personal solution to their insurance needs 

An inventory can be a big help when you are filing an insurance claim, it is the proof you owned what you are claiming. Things move much faster and smoother through the claim process if you take the time now to create an inventory. 

Several options are available for creating an inventory. Whichever one you choose, make sure it is thorough. It can be as simple as using a pad and pen and going from room to room writing down the contents. Open drawers, cabinets, and closets. Bring along a camera and your cell phone to take pictures from a variety of angles. Go through your house top to bottom; don’t forget attics, basements, and garages. Add as much detail as possible especially when it comes to electronics, including brand, model, and serial number. 

When your inventory is complete, it is important to store it in a place where it will be safe no matter what happens to your home. A safe deposit box or in the cloud are both easy and affordable options. 

For all your home insurance needs contact Capretta Insurance Agency in Parma, OH. 

5 Home Insurance Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

Before purchasing insurance protection for your Parma, OH home, take time to learn the facts about coverage, deductibles, and premium costs. This knowledge will enable you to make good insurance decisions. The following home insurance facts compiled by Capretta Insurance Agency give you a better idea of how home coverage works to protect your property.

  • Fact #1 – Standard home insurance policies offer basic protection in the form of dwelling, property, and liability coverage. Dwelling coverage protects your home structure. Property coverage protects your belongings. Liability coverage would protect your financial assets from lawsuits if someone were to have an accident on your property. 
  • Fact #2 – Most policies offer protection against theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters like tornadoes, rainstorms, lightning strikes, and winter storms. Home insurance doesn’t, however, cover flood damage. For protection against the risk of floods, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
  • Fact #3 – Home insurance can be customized to suit your individual need. You can select the type and amount of coverage you want to protect your home and valuables. Your dwelling coverage should be enough to rebuild your Ohio home if it’s destroyed by fire or natural disaster. Property coverage should match the value of your belongings to protect these items fully. 
  • Fact #4 – When insuring your goods, you can choose between actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value reimburses you for the cost of damaged goods after taking off for depreciation. In contrast, replacement cost coverage replaces your goods outright at today’s costs. In both cases, you’ll have to meet your deductible first.
  • Fact #5 – Home insurance is the most practical, affordable means of protecting your home and belongings. 

To purchase your home policy, contact Capretta Insurance Agency in Parma, OH today.