If you regularly go somewhere warmer for the winter, you may already be planning for the winter months. There are many advantages to being a snowbird; you escape the cold and don’t have to worry about dealing with ice or snow.
Yet, you can’t take your house with you. There are several precautions you can take to ensure your home remains safe throughout the winter:
- Ensure that your mail and packages are forwarded.
- Arrange for someone to check your house frequently.
- Hire a snow removal service.
- Have a security system installed and activated.
- Ensure water is turned off and pipes are drained.
We want you to enjoy your holiday away without worrying about your home. Another way to protect your Alberta home is with comprehensive house insurance.
Ensure That Your Mail And Packages Are Set Up To Be Forwarded
The last thing you want is mail and packages piling up outside your door. Even if you have a trusted neighbour or friend who will take them in for you, you can’t expect them to do that daily.
For regular mail, you can either arrange for your mail to be held or have it forwarded to you. If you get most of your important information online, you may be okay with simply having the post office hold it. If you receive important, time-sensitive documents in the mail, it may be better to have them forwarded.
Don’t forget to change your address for places you order from frequently, such as Amazon. You don’t want to risk your packages sitting out unattended in the cold and snow and deal with the inconvenience of having someone send them back or forward them to you.
Arrange For Someone To Check In On Your Home Frequently
Another way to safeguard your home is to have someone check your house frequently. The last thing you want to do is come home and find out that a window has been broken for months or that a pipe has burst and your home is flooded.
Check with your Alberta house insurance provider to see if they have any requirements on how often someone must check your house if you are away for the winter. Even if your insurance provider has no specific rules, you should have someone walk through your home occasionally to check.
Hire A Snow Removal Service
While you may not have to deal with the snow, that doesn’t mean it’ll stop coming over the winter. There are several reasons to hire a snow removal company while you’re away:
- It makes your home look lived in.
- Cleared sidewalks, driveways, and paths make it easier for anyone checking on the house to get in.
- Local by-laws usually require you to have your sidewalk cleared after a snowfall, regardless of whether you are in residence.
- Less chance of a person falling and hurting themselves when your sidewalks and driveway are clear.
Wondering how to find a reliable snow removal service? Ask friends and family for recommendations, or check on Google to see which local companies have good reviews.
Have A Security System Installed
Another great way to protect your home is to install a security system and activate it. Security systems now can do much more than set off an alarm if someone breaks into your house. Consider installing an alarm system with various features, including motion detectors, a video doorbell, window-break alerts and water sensors.
Worried about your home and want to check in on it? If cameras are installed inside or outside your home, you can use an app or log in online to check on your house remotely.
Ensure Water is Turned Off and Pipes are Drained
As an Alberta homeowner, you’re likely all too aware of the danger of water damage in your home. If you’ve ever experienced a sewer backup before, you know the impact on your property can be devastating. In order to ensure your home isn’t victim to sewer backup or water damage, it’s essential to turn off your water and drain the pipes before heading away for the winter.
Freezing and thawing pipes are susceptible to bursting, leaving your home at risk. By taking these simple steps before you leave, you can protect your home and belongings from water damage.
How can MMI Insurance help me if I have questions about Alberta house insurance?
Whether you already have Alberta house insurance but want to change companies or are getting a policy for the first time, we can help. At MMI Insurance, we will take the time to learn about your home and lifestyle so we can provide you with a comprehensive insurance policy at an affordable price.
Our insurance experts will also explain to you what kind of coverage our house insurance policies can include:
- Guaranteed Replacement Cost Coverage: This coverage means we will rebuild your home if it is severely damaged.
- Living Expenses: Living expenses are things like renting a hotel room or temporary home if you can’t live in/access your home due to a claim.
- Home Liability Insurance: This coverage provides financial protection in various circumstances in the event you are held liable for someone injuring themselves while on your property.
- Water Damage Protection: This provides coverage due to a sewer backup and/or overland water damage.
Are you looking for coverage for expensive items, such as jewellery? We can customize your Alberta home insurance policy to cover everything you need.
Get The Protection You Need With A Solid Alberta Home Insurance Policy
Whether you’re staying home this winter or planning on going away, there are many things you can do to ensure that your home is protected. You deserve peace of mind regarding your home – and taking the appropriate precautions can help you rest easy knowing your home is protected.
At MMI Insurance, we can discuss your options regarding obtaining a Calgary house insurance policy. We’ll tell you everything you need to know – from how much coverage we recommend to what your deductible will be.
We can help you find the right coverage at a reasonable price. To learn more about obtaining an insurance policy for your Alberta house, call us at 866-222-6996 or contact us online.
Coverage is subject to policy wording, terms, conditions, and deductibles. Protection is limited to the perils, coverage, exclusions, and limits shown on the policy.
