Home Security during Summer Vacations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 16, 2011 -- The summer months are a popular time for family vacation travel. It is also open season for property crimes. Allstate Insurance Company provides five tips for property protection to help homeowners enjoy a worry-free summer travel season.

“Take a couple hours this weekend to review your home protection plans and check your insurance coverage before you head on a summer vacation,” said Allstate New Jersey Exclusive Agent Marc Ludwig. “There are steps that everyone can take to help deter thieves and protect your property.”

1. Deter would-be thieves with a “lived-in” look. If you are planning to travel this summer, make sure your home looks lived-in, day and night. Burglars will look for signs to see if a house is empty, including whether cans are placed out on garbage day, if mail or newspapers are piling up, if cars are missing or staying in the same place for a period of time, and if lights are turning on. Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times. In addition, be sure to lock all doors and windows at all times, and consider a security system with a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas. Many insurance companies offer discounts for monitored security systems.

2. Protect your identity from barbecue guests. Keeping your social security number secret may not be enough to prevent against identity theft; one out of every 11 cases of identity theft is an inside-the-family job. Before hosting parties, put away all financial documents and lock them in a home office, desk drawer or safe. In addition, ask your insurance provider if they offer identity restoration coverage to help restore a stolen identity.

3. Extend insurance coverage for valuable items. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy includes coverage for jewelry and other precious items such as watches and furs; however, there are relatively low limits of liability for certain items, generally around $1,500. If the liability limit is not enough, consumers have the option of extending the coverage by “scheduling” jewelry. The best part about supplemental insurance for jewelry is that it offers broader protection, which means you are insured for all different types of perils, including loss of the stone, a chip in the diamond, misplacing the item, and so on. Unless the peril is specifically mentioned in the policy as being excluded, the item is covered. Before purchasing additional insurance, the items covered must be professionally appraised.

4. Review your insurance coverage once a year with an insurance agent. Weekend warriors are often inspired to install new carpeting or embark on remodeling projects. Allstate advises consumers to talk with their insurance agent about remodeling projects that may impact the cost of rebuilding the home in the event of a fire or loss. Consumers should also make sure they read the policy and understand all of the coverages.

5. Create and maintain a home inventory, including photos or video. A home inventory will make it easier to file a claim and restore your property after a loss. Make a list of the contents of your home on paper. It is helpful to take photos and describe on the back of the photograph what the item is and what it cost. Save receipts for major purchases, especially for computers and large appliances. Whenever possible include make, model, serial numbers and date of purchase for all items in your home inventory. Keep the videotapes or photographs in a place separate from your home, such as at your workplace or a bank safe deposit box. Be sure to update your home inventory when you make new purchases or receive gifts.

For more information on vacation security or other safety topics, contact Allstate New Jersey Exclusive Agent Marc Ludwig at (609) 645-6999 or marcludwig@allstate.com.

About Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company

Known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company and its affiliates help individuals in more than a half million New Jersey households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 270 agents and financial representatives. Customers can access Allstate New Jersey products and services through Allstate agencies, or at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.