How Homeowners Insurance Works When You're Away for Extended Periods

When you're away from your Central New York home for an extended period, you might worry about what would happen if disaster struck. You know you need homeowners insurance, but you may not be sure how your coverage works when you're not there. The last thing you want is to buy a policy that doesn't fit your unique situation.

At the Horan insurance agency, we understand your concerns. As an independent agency working with multiple carriers in Central New York, we have the informed perspective you need to make the right coverage decisions for your home. We'll help you understand how your homeowners insurance works when you're away, so you can travel with confidence.

In this article, we'll explore what qualifies as an “extended period” away from home, how your insurance covers you during vacations and snowbirding, and what steps you can take to safeguard your home while you're gone.

We'll also discuss the difference between unoccupied and vacant homes, and what you need to know if you plan to rent out your home while you're away.

Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage During Extended Absences

When you're away from your home in Central New York, whether for a vacation or an extended period, you may wonder how your homeowners insurance will respond if there's a loss. Let's explore how your coverage works when you're not at home.

What Qualifies as an “Extended Period” Away from Home?

First, let's clarify what we mean by “extended periods.” This could refer to:

1. A vacation lasting a couple of weeks to a month, such as a summer getaway to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks or a winter ski trip to Vail, Colorado
2. Snowbirds who leave their primary residence in Central New York for several months to live elsewhere, such as Florida or Arizona

In both cases, your homeowners insurance will typically cover you, but there are some important considerations.

How Homeowners Insurance Covers You During Vacations

If you live in a city like Syracuse, Oswego, or Auburn, or a smaller town like Camden or Parish, and you're on vacation for a few weeks to a month, your homeowners insurance will generally cover any losses that occur while you're away. You don't need someone to house-sit or check on your property for your coverage to remain in effect.

For example, let's say you live in Fayetteville and you leave for a two-week vacation in February. While you're away, a severe cold snap hits Central New York, causing your pipes to freeze and burst. In this case, your insurance should cover the damage, regardless of the time of year or the duration of your vacation.

Snowbirds and Seasonal Residents: Protecting Your Home While You're Away

Many Central New Yorkers are snowbirds who live in their primary residence for part of the year and then relocate to a warmer climate for several months. If you're one of them, your homeowners insurance will usually cover you, but there are some precautions you should take to avoid potential exclusions:

• Winterize your home before leaving to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This may include shutting off the water supply, draining pipes, and setting the thermostat to a minimum temperature.
• Consider having a friend, family member, or professional service check on your property periodically to ensure everything is secure and in good condition.

For instance, if you live in Manlius and you spend winters in South Carolina, you'll want to take these steps to protect your home while you're away. If you do so and a loss occurs, your insurance should cover it.

However, if you fail to take reasonable precautions and your home suffers damage as a result, you could face challenges with your insurance carrier.

The Difference Between Unoccupied and Vacant Homes

It's important to distinguish between an unoccupied home and a vacant one. An unoccupied home is one that's still furnished, with personal belongings inside. Even if you're away for an extended period, your home is considered unoccupied as long as it looks lived-in.

On the other hand, a vacant home is one where the furniture and personal belongings have been removed. If you've moved out of your Baldwinsville home and have no plans to return, your home is considered vacant.

In this case, your standard homeowners insurance may not provide coverage, and you'll need to explore other options, such as a vacant home policy.

Renting Out Your Central New York Home While You're Away

If you plan to rent out your home in Central New York while you're away, such as through a home-sharing service like Airbnb, there are additional insurance considerations.

Your standard homeowners policy may not cover losses that occur while your home is being rented out, so you'll want to review your policy and talk to your insurance agent about your options. You may need to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy specifically designed for home-sharing.

When you're away from your Central New York home for extended periods, your homeowners insurance will generally cover you as long as you take reasonable precautions to protect your property.

Safeguard Your Home with the Right Coverage While You're Away

When you understand how your homeowners insurance works when you're away from your Central New York home for extended periods, you can travel with composure and security. By taking the right precautions and ensuring you have proper coverage, you'll protect your home and your financial well-being.

At the Horan insurance agency, we're here to be your advocate and guide. As an independent agency with experience working with multiple carriers, we have the informed perspective to help you make the best coverage decisions for your unique situation.

We'll work with you to ensure you have the right protection in place, so you can enjoy your time away without worrying about what might happen back home. If you're ready to take the next step in safeguarding your home and your future, we're here to help.

Click the Get a Quote button below to start the conversation and discover how we can give you the coverage and support you deserve.