IBC Top 10: Vacation Tips for Protecting Your Home and Car

HALIFAX, June 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The summer season has officially started and many people are going on vacation. Before heading out the door, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding Atlantic Canadians protect their property and car while they are away.  

"As we get ready for a summer getaway, we can forget to take precautions to protect our homes and cars," explains Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. "Taking an extra 15 minutes to prepare could save you a real headache down the road. By following IBC's Top 10, you can help prevent thefts and accidents from occurring while you are away."

Here are IBC's top 10 tips for preparing your home and car for vacation:

1.	Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check in and outside your home every few days.
	Have someone collect your mail and/or newspapers, park a car in your driveway and check your home for any damage. Make sure they know how to reach you if something happens.
2.	Make your home look lived in.
	Noticeable differences from your home's usual appearance can hint that you are away. Consider using timers that turn lights on and off automatically, and leave curtains and blinds as normal (removing valuables from sight).
3.	Disconnect electronics.
	Unplug TV sets, stereos, computers and other electronic devices, or plug them into a surge protector.
4.	Inspect your home before you leave.
	Put away bicycles and gardening equipment, and lock your shed. It's also helpful to keep trees and shrubs trimmed so your house is in plain view.
	Update your home inventory and take photos or videos of its contents.
5.	Double-check that all doors and windows in your home are locked.  Turn the water off in case of a damaged pipe or broken hose to prevent the potential for water damage.
6.	If you have a security system, set it before you go.
7.	If possible, load luggage into your car in your garage.
8.	Close car windows, lock the doors and keep keys in a safe spot.
	Don't leave car keys visible in your house. Instead, keep the keys with you.
	Remove valuables from your car.
9.	Keep your car registration and proof of insurance with you.
	Thieves may try to falsify information if they find your registration and proof of insurance.
10.	Don't announce your vacation plans in casual conversations or emails, or on social media sites.
	Social media can reach further than you expect. Don't alert potential thieves to your absence. Only post travel pictures when you return.

"As always, drive safely," adds Dean. "Avoid distracted driving and ensure that you are properly rested before hitting the road."

Insurance Coverage
IBC encourages everyone to review and understand their insurance policies. If you have questions, contact your insurance representative. For more information, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Ellen Woodger, Communications Consultant, 416-483-2358, [email protected]