Summer Vacations; How your Homeowners insurance safeguards you while you are away.

Summer is the season of road trips, family getaways, and long-awaited vacations—but while you’re relaxing poolside or hiking in the mountains, it’s important to know your home back in Oregon is protected. At Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker, we want you to enjoy your time away with peace of mind. Here are key steps you can take to protect your home before you leave—and how your homeowners insurance policy helps safeguard you from the unexpected.

Secure Before You Go

A few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of damage or theft while your home is unoccupied:

• Lock all doors and windows. Don’t forget garage access points or basement windows.
  
• Set timers on lights. A few strategic lights on a schedule can give the appearance that someone is home.
  
• Pause mail and deliveries. An overflowing mailbox is a signal to burglars that a house is empty.
  
• Let a trusted neighbor know. Ask them to keep an eye on your home and collect any unexpected packages that may arrive.
  
• Unplug electronics. This helps avoid fire risk and protects your devices from power surges.
  
• Turn off the main water supply. Water damage from leaks or appliance malfunctions is one of the most common—and costly—types of vacation-related claims.

What Does Your Oregon Homeowners Policy Cover?

If you have a standard homeowners policy through EPB&B, you can rest assured that your property is generally covered while you’re away, but it’s good to understand the details:

• Theft or vandalism: Most policies cover stolen belongings or property damage resulting from break-ins, provided there is evidence of forced entry.
  
• Fire and smoke damage: Fires that occur while you are absent are typically covered, subject to policy limits.
  
• Water damage (with caveats): Damage from sudden, accidental leaks (e.g., a burst pipe) is typically covered; however, ongoing leaks or damage resulting from neglect may not be. Check with an EPB&B agent to see if you have a seepage/leakage endorsement on your policy. Shutting off the water helps avoid this gray area.
  
• Liability: If someone is injured on your property while you’re gone ( i.e, a landscaper or neighbor checking on your home), your personal liability coverage would likely apply.
  

 What May Not Be Covered?

Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered. Here are a few scenarios where coverage could be limited or denied:

• Neglect or deferred maintenance: Losses resulting from preventable issues, such as unrepaired roof damage or faulty locks, may be excluded.
• Extended vacancies: If your home is vacant for more than 30 to 60 days, your policy’s vacancy clause may reduce or void certain coverages. It’s crucial to notify your insurer in advance.

 Before You Leave, Review Your Policy

Every homeowner’s policy is different. Before you head out on your trip, we recommend scheduling a quick review with your EPB&B agent. We can help:

• Confirm your current coverage
• Identify any gaps or exclusions
• Recommend optional protections (e.g., service line coverage or discounts for smart home monitoring)