You may be embarking on a much-anticipated vacation. It may be a good idea to check with your agent to make sure you have the insurance you need for your California condo in the event of a burglary, fire or other disaster. In addition to verifying your insurance coverage, as your condo association’s insurance will not cover your possessions, there are steps you can take to safeguard your condo, particularly if you are going on a lengthy vacation. This may save you the stress of returning to a burglarized condo and having to file a claim on your condo insurance.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), there are over 2 million burglaries each year, and the summer months of July and August have the highest rates of break-ins. Research shows that if it takes more than four or five minutes to get into your condo, it is likely that a burglar may go elsewhere to seek an easier target; therefore the harder you make it for a burglar to get into your condo, the better your chances of preventing a burglary and an insurance claim.
The III recommends installing dead bolt locks on doors and windows. It is useless, however, to install strong locks on doors and windows with weak frames that could be easily broken. It is important that your condo doors and windows are made of metal or thick, solid hardwood. A loud burglar alarm, preferably one that automatically alerts the local police and fire department, may serve as a deterrent to would be burglars. It is vital that you insure and protect your condo before going on vacation. Installing an alarm may attract a discount on your condo insurance.
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