Summer Road Trip Guide

If you plan to embrace your  summer, here are some tips to prepare your home and vehicle before departure.

Secure your home

This starts with having homeowners insurance to protect your home and belongings in case of a burglary or unanticipated loss. Then, before you leave:

• Lock all doors and windows, including those located on the second floor and higher
• Activate your alarm system
• Notify a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away so they can keep an eye on things while you’re gone.

Don’t advertise your plans

We can’t wait to post comments and pictures of the exciting things we’re doing, especially when we go on vacation.

It’s not just our friends and family who take notice, however. Social media is also a perfect way for burglars to select their next target. Those shots of you posing in front of the world’s largest ball of twine don’t just make for interesting dinner conversation. They also let the world know your house is empty, which makes it an ideal target. While you may want to show the world how you cooked meat with a pitch fork, wait until you get home to share that little beauty.

Prepare an emergency kit for your car Stock your car with an emergency kit before you hit the road. The kit should include:

• A cell phone charger
• Jumper cables
• Emergency cones and road flares
• A spare tire, jack and lug nut wrench
• A first aid kit
• Nonperishable food like dried fruit, nuts, crackers, etc.
• Water
• Blankets

Get your car road-ready

You may experience high temperatures, winding and uneven roads, or severe weather on your journey, so prep your car for the elements ahead of time. Top off your engine coolant to prevent overheating and your washer fluid to clean off the numerous bugs that will undoubtedly meet their end on your windshield. Check your tire tread, alignment and pressure to increase your fuel economy and protect against preventable blowouts. If possible, carry a spare tire as sometimes the occasional nail in the road or pothole will still prevail.

Call our office before you leave to make sure your car and home are fully covered while you’re off on your adventure. Then prepare your favorite road trip playlists and games, and enjoy your trip.

https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/insurance-things/how-to-prepare-for-a-summer-road-trip.html