If anyone knows how rough the winters can get around here, it’s the staff of AAA Western and Central New York. Our roadside technicians are right out on the roads for the notoriously tough winter weather, and our call-center workers know the strain that a winter storm can put on our communities.

So, we get it when we hear that many folks from the area head to warmer climates to avoid the coldest, snowiest months of the winter. Just remember: When you are basking in the sun and having fun, your permanent residence in New York will be roughing it through the winter.

There is a lot to consider if you are going to be away from home for weeks on end. Even a slight oversight can result in a gap in your insurance coverage, expensive damage to your house, or a costly security failure that you might not discover until it’s too late.

Here are some tasks you’ll want to check off your list before leaving for the season.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT

If the house you are leaving for the winter is furnished, it is considered unoccupied rather than vacant. A vacant house is completely empty with no furniture. Insurance policies are available for both the “unoccupied” and “vacant” scenarios.

Depending on the specifics of your current home insurance policy, your home in New York may already be covered in the case of incidents such as fire or theft. But as we know, there are many factors that can harm your home, especially through the winter. That’s why it’s recommended that snowbirds speak to an insurance agent before leaving the region for a time.

Another factor to consider is the insurance status of your vacation home. If you own your second home, speak with your insurance agent about bundling your policies, which could help you save on premiums.

Snowbirds who only spend a few months in their snowbird home may also consider using that home as an income property through short-term rentals on services such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Short-term rental properties carry unique insurance risks, but insurance agents at AAA can help you choose the right policy for your situation.

PREPARE YOUR HOME IN NEW YORK

Shut off your water

This is a big one. Leaving your water on through the winter while you are out of town is a recipe for disaster. Your pipes can freeze, burst and seriously damage your home. Shutting off your water before leaving your house is a very important and often-forgotten step!

Set your thermostat. Nobody will be home for a few months, so don’t waste money heating your house like you usually would. Set the thermostat to 55 degrees, which will be warm enough to prevent freezing during cold spells.

Clean-up time

Give your house a thorough cleaning. You’ll be warding off pests who are attracted to clutter, plus your house will look great when you come back from your winter break.

Remember to clear out the refrigerator and freezer, and open interior doors so air doesn’t stagnate. Also, open the doors of appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine so moisture isn’t trapped for months on end.

HOME SECURITY CONCERNS

Who’s watching out for you?

Tell your trusted neighbors when you will be out of town, so they can help monitor your property. Many communities have a neighborhood watch you can alert. It can also be helpful to inform your local police department of when you’ll be leaving and when you’ll be returning.

Preventative measures

To prevent criminal activity, avoid posting about your absence on social media. Use light timers to make it appear that the house is occupied, and hire a snow removal service so your snowy sidewalks and driveway don’t give away the fact that you are out of town. Also, contact the post office to have your mail and newspaper deliveries suspended until you return.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR CAR BATTERY

If you plan to keep your car in storage during your getaway, disconnect the car battery or use a battery tender. Even when your car does absolutely nothing, the battery has a certain amount of self-discharge. You can purchase a tender at AAA Car Care Plus®, from drivers of AAA-owned roadside assistance trucks or at major retail stores.

AAA insurance agents are ready to answer your questions about protecting your home while you’re vacationing this winter. Call 1-866-874-7222 or visit AAA.com to learn more. 

Contact an Insurance Agent