Get Renters Insurance

Do you have renters insurance? Why not? Anyone who rents should have renters insurance. It’s affordable, simple, and just all around smart to have.

Renters insurance covers cash value or replacement of your personal property from a break-in or other event like a storm or fire. Your personal property can include furniture, clothes, electronics, appliances, bedding, bikes, and other items. If you factor in how much replacing these items on your own would cost you and compare it with the cost of renters insurance, you’ll see how affordable renters insurance actually is.

Beyond that, renters insurance can also cover the cost of hotel if you have to live in a hotel temporarily, as well as cover medical bills for an injured guest.

Be sure to shop around for different renters insurance to compare cost as well as what is covered in the policy. If you have anything particularly valuable, it may not be covered in a basic plan, so be sure to ask your insurance agent for specifics.

Let the Right People Know You’re Leaving

We get it, you’re going somewhere amazing and you want to let everyone know! Just be careful you are alerting all the right people, and none of the wrong ones.

Neighbors

Before heading out for Spring Break, it’s best practice to let a trustworthy neighbor know you will be gone. Alerting them of your departure will let them know to watch your apartment rental for any suspicious activity, something you can do for them in the future. Make sure you give them your contact information and contact information for someone local that can act as your representative.

Perhaps even give a spare key to a trusted neighbor and have them check in periodically. Your neighbors are a great—and free—resource to use when you're out of town. You can enlist them to water your plants, check the mail or watch a pet while you’re away. This way they can periodically check in on your home and make sure it is secure.Also, talk with them and give them your vacation itinerary and contact info, so they know how to reach you if an issue arises.

Landlord

Let your landlord or property manager know that you will be leaving town, both in-person by visiting the office and with a follow-up email a few days prior to your departure. Just like with your neighbors, let them know how long you will be gone from your apartment rental and confirm your best contact information or leave them with the contact information of someone local.

Don’t Announce Your Trip on Social Media

We live in a day and age where it’s common to share what’s on your mind and what you’re currently up to. But be careful when you’re about to leave for a trip. Don’t announce to your followers that you’re leaving town (or when you're leaving town). You never know who is looking at your feed.

Same goes for geotagging your location, even if you've just tagged yourself on the way to the airport. Instead, wait until you’ve returned to share your pictures. If you can’t resist uploading photos, just be sure to be to switch your account to private or friends only.

Protect Your Home From the Inside

Some of the most vital ways of protecting your apartment while you're on vacation are also the most obvious. But sometimes, if we're in a hurry, we forget to lock that bathroom window or turn on a light. These simpel steps can help deter thieves from targeting your apartment because it will either look like you are home or they won't have easy access to get inside.

Lock Up Everything

Unlike the dramatic entries shown in popular media, burglars tend to enter your apartment, condo, or towndhouse by walking in through an unlocked door or crawling in through an unlocked window or door. Locks serve as your first line of defense against intruders, so make sure that they work properly.

If you’re the forgetful type, you may want to consider smart locks, which enable you to lock and unlock your doors and windows remotely. Entry sensors for your doors or windows are another good tool to have in case you forget to lock everything up. When armed, these sensors can send a signal to your smartphone or panel, which will then allow you to alert the proper authorities.

It's also a good idea to lock up valuables in a lock box. Jewelry, guns, important documents, etc., should all be kept in a safe that is stored out of sight.

Make it Look Like You’re Home

The best way to do this? Keep a couple of lights on in your home. Better yet, set a timer that will automatically turn on your lights, especially at night. And be sure to have your outside lights scheduled to come on at night. Keeping the lights on makes it look like someone is home. Burglars are more likely to target homes that are dark or appear that no one is home.

Leave a Clean, Fresh Apartment

To ensure you come home to a clean and fresh-smelling apartment, before you leave, clean your garbage disposal by running it and pouring in water and vinegar. Wash your dishes, dry out your sink, and throw out food that'll spoil in the refrigerator. Depending on if you live in a cold or warm climate, adjust your thermostat so things don’t freeze or overheat in your home. For extra safety, close all the blinds and curtains.

Get a Security System

One of the best ways to protect your apartment while you're away is to purchase and install a security system with professional monitoring.

At Cove, we are ideal for those who are renting, as our system is affordable, easy to install, and can move with you. Click below to take a short quiz to find out what equipment we recommend. Typically you'll need some cameras and window/door sensors, plus the alarm panel that connects everything. Professional monitoring only costs less than $1/day, and we never have contracts, so you can start and stop whenever you want.

The great thing about professional monitoring is that your apartment is being watched out for when you're not there. And if someone tries to break in, you'll be alarted right away, rather than waiting until you come home to find a broken front door. With a security system, you won't have to worry. If you want to check in on your place, no matter where you are, you can check in.

Have a fun and safe Spring Break, wherever your travels take you.