Secondary or Seasonal Dwelling

Home Insurance Florida | A Snowbird’s Home Checklist Before Migration Season

Florida snowbirds can protect their homes year-round with this seasonal checklist covering maintenance, security, and vacant property insurance essentials.

11/6/2020 2:43:02 PM

If there’s anything better than owning a home, it’s owning two. Many Floridians — known as “snowbirds” — enjoy the best of both worlds, spending winters in the Sunshine State and summers up north. But maintaining two homes means double the responsibility, and keeping each property secure while you’re away takes planning.

The easiest way to juggle it all is with a simple seasonal checklist. Whether you’re heading north or returning south, these steps will help keep both homes protected year-round.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Nothing dampens a warm welcome like arriving to find something broken or out of order. Before you travel, take care of routine maintenance so your home is ready when you return.

Replace light bulbs and HVAC filters
Clean gutters and downspouts
Touch up exterior paint
Schedule landscaping services
Arrange HVAC and gas inspections
Have chimneys cleaned and inspected

Protect Against Pests

Empty homes are a magnet for insects and small animals. Prevent unwelcome “guests” with a few proactive steps:

Clean the house thoroughly before leaving
Empty and haul away all trash
Remove any remaining food from the home
Clean, defrost and unplug the refrigerator and freezer, leaving both open to dry and prevent mold
Clean the oven and outdoor grill facilities
Close the flue on your fireplace and install a screen guard
Ensure doors and windows close and seal tightly
Have regular, professional pest treatments

Prevent Flooding Accidents

Even a small leak can cause major issues when a home sits empty. Before leaving:

Drain all pipes and the hot water heater/tank
Turn off water heater
Close the valves to sinks and toilets
Service and close any pools or hot tubs
Close all outdoor drains and remove hoses for proper storage

Make it Look Occupied

Homes that look empty are more likely to attract attention. Create the illusion of daily activity:

Use timers on interior and exterior lights
Suspend mail and newspaper delivery
Keep landscaping neatly maintained
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect packages and check in periodically

Protect Your Property

Even the most carefully maintained home needs the right insurance. Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover extended vacancies, so talk with your agent about Vacant Property Insurance.

American Integrity Insurance offers flexible options for snowbirds and seasonal homeowners, providing protection against theft, vandalism, weather events, and more.

Before you pack up for the season, make sure your home and your peace of mind are both protected. Call an American Integrity Insurance Agent for more information today.

American Integrity Insurance is committed to providing Florida homeowners with sound, comprehensive insurance coverage and an extraordinary customer experience. We strive to be a valued partner to our policyholders, agents, and community.

We offer traditional and high valued homeowners insurance, condo insurance, renters insurance, and the special coverage required for vacant homes, manufactured homes, and policies designed for those who need less coverage or are renting out their home. We also offer extra protection, including flood insurance, umbrella insurance, golf cart insurance, boat insurance, cyber coverage and identity theft protection as well as equipment breakdown coverage, to help address a broad range of needs facing Florida homeowners today.

Home Insurance Florida | A Snowbird’s Home Checklist Before Migration Season

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