When you own a second home or invest in a vacation rental property, it’s important to consider your security needs. Vacation homes are often left unattended for long periods of time, making them vulnerable to theft and vandalism. The presence of rental guests in your home offers you valuable income but also puts your rental property and its contents at risk. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect your second home and the possessions inside.
START WITH THE RIGHT INSURANCE FOR YOUR SECOND HOME
Investing in vacation home insurance and rental and landlord insurance are excellent first steps. Vacation home insurance protects your property from common risks such as storm damage, water damage, and fire. Many vacation homes are located in areas with unique risks that may not be present at your primary residence, and a specialized vacation home insurance policy will be designed to address these risks.
Rental and landlord insurance offers liability coverage when you have guests renting out your second home. Whether you are offering short-term rentals or long-term leases, rental and landlord coverage can be underwritten to fit your situation. The costs are low compared to the peace of mind of knowing you are protected.
In addition to securing insurance coverage for your vacation home, here are five security tips to help protect your second home:
1. INVEST IN A SECURITY SYSTEM
Install a robust security system with motion detectors, CCTV cameras, and automated lighting systems that can be controlled remotely using a mobile application. If you are renting out your second home as a vacation rental, investing in security systems that allow you to monitor the home remotely is especially helpful for protecting your property and its guests.
2. GET THE RIGHT LOCKS
Make sure all exterior doors are equipped with deadbolts or keyed locks for added protection against break-ins. If you rent or lease your second home, a smart-lock system with a numbered keypad may be a better option. With this in place, you can set unique codes for each guest that stays in your rental home, so none of your guests can continue to access the property after the term of their rental has expired.
3. MAINTAIN A HOME INVENTORY
Keep an up-to-date inventory of the contents of your second home, including photographs and serial numbers. This will help to prove ownership in case anything is stolen. Whether you rent out your vacation home or not, keeping an inventory is a smart security measure. When you couple it with protective measures like installing security cameras, you may even capture video evidence in the event of a theft.
4. LIGHT UP YOUR PROPERTY AT NIGHT
Install outdoor lighting around your property, especially near entrances and exits, and use timers when you’re away for an extended period of time. It is well known that exterior lighting deters thieves, so this is something simple you can do to keep your second home and its contents safe.
5. ASK A NEIGHBOR TO KEEP WATCH
Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your property while you’re away and ask them to report any suspicious activity they may notice. It can be difficult to get to know your neighbors when you’re only at your vacation home periodically. However if you make the effort to meet people in the community, whether they be permanent residents or fellow vacation homeowners like yourself, you can earn yourself a valuable security tool.
By taking simple steps to secure your second home, you can protect yourself from potential theft and vandalism – as well as costly repairs if something does happen to go wrong. As an independent insurance agency that specializes in vacation home insurance and rental and landlord insurance, CabinQuote by Ownby Insurance Service can help you can get the coverage you need for your second home. With the right level of protection, you can rest easy knowing your second home is safe and secure.