Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. It’s a package policy, covering both property damage and liability for injuries or property damage you or your family members cause to others. This even includes damage caused by household pets. 

While most disasters are covered, notable exceptions include floods, earthquakes, and poor maintenance. Separate policies must be purchased for flood and earthquake coverage.

Winterizing a Vacation Home 

1. Inspect your property — Check inside and outside for damage. Create a checklist and decide what to fix now versus in the spring. 

2. Turn off the water — Shut off the main supply to prevent frozen pipes. Even if you heat your home, this protects against furnace failure or power outages. 

3. Drain water lines and appliances — Open faucets and drain all pipes, sinks, toilets, and appliances. 

4. Maintain indoor heat — Keep your home at 55°F to reduce humidity and prevent wood and pipe damage. 

5. Consider a water flow monitoring system — These detect abnormal water use and automatically shut off the main supply to prevent damage. 

6. Empty and clean appliances before leaving for the season. 

7. Update your home inventory — Ensure your contents list is current in case you need to file a claim. 

8. Inspect your fireplace — Have wood-burning fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep to prevent fire risks from creosote buildup.