Planning for a vacation can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of your home and car. Whether you’re renting out your home as a vacation property, leaving it unattended, or hitting the road in a rental car, it’s crucial to understand how your insurance coverage can protect you and your assets. In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations and tips for managing home and car insurance effectively while you’re away, ensuring you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
Home Insurance
You’re renting your place out as a vacation property on short-term rental platforms…
Keep in mind that it can be seen as a commercial activity and changes the rules when it comes to home insurance. Additional home rental protection, like the one offered by belairdirect, will help protect your home if you rent it to guests for more than 30 days, and less than 180 days, a year.
You’re leaving your home for a few weeks or days…
Have someone you trust be your home’s guardian angel to check on it and to remove any clues that you may be away. You should also secure the perimeter, the grounds and entry points to help discourage any strangers from breaking in. Check out the must-dos for homeowners leaving on vacation.
You’re facing theft while travelling…
Replace what you need immediately by paying for it out of pocket but be sure to keep the receipts for potential reimbursement once you are ready to make an insurance claim. Know that you can access everything related to your home insurance policy through belairdirect’s online tool and app (including coverage for your possessions when on vacation). Travelling without worry is always better!
Car Insurance
You’re picking up a rental car…
Might it be through a credit card, a rental car company or your personal car insurance policy, it’s important to make sure that you’re properly insured and check if there are any limitations on where you can take the car and what kind of car you are covered for (maximum vehicle value, vehicle exclusions, etc.). To find out if you have Liability for Damage to Non Owned Automobiles coverage in your belairdirect policy, check to see if belairdirect’s Autocomfort or Plus Pac package is available in your region or add this protection separately.
You’re behind the wheel and enjoying the road…
Good driving habits can help you enjoy the roadtrip much more and allow you to save money with belairdirect’s automerit program. When automerit is activated, the belairdirect app assesses your driving habits in real time to offer you a personalized premium when your auto policy renews. Avoid sudden acceleration and breaking, drive cautiously, and stay within the posted speed limits also helps achieve good vehicle efficiency.
You’re facing the unexpected on the road…
The belairdirect roadside assistance program can be handy, especially in the heat of the moment. Join the program and count on 24/7 assistance and peace of mind in both Canada and the United States. From flat tires to dead car batteries, belairdirect will be there to provide you with roadside assistance and extrication services to get your car back on the road.
You’re leaving your car at home while away on vacation…
Consider the following safety measures to reduce the likelihood of car theft:
- Park in your garage if possible
- Installing motion detection lights and video surveillance
- Do not leave any valuables or personal identification in your car
- Use a steering wheel lock
- Store your car key away from the entrance of your home or in a signal-blocking pouch or box
- Install an anti-theft or tracking system
