What If Your Home Gets Damaged While You’re on Vacation?

It was supposed to be the perfect getaway. The Johnsons packed their bags, set the alarm system, and drove off for a two-week road trip through Colorado. But five days into their vacation, a neighbor called—there had been a storm in Oklahoma City, and a tree had fallen on their roof. By the time they returned, rain had leaked into the attic and soaked two bedrooms. Now they weren’t just dealing with a hole in the roof—they were dealing with mold, water damage, and a whole lot of stress.
If your home is left unattended for more than a few days, are you still covered? The answer is... it depends.

Get the best okc home insurance!

​Does Home Insurance Still Apply if You're Away?

In most cases, yes—your standard homeowners insurance policy will still cover damages that occur while you're out of town. But there are important details you need to know.
Covered Perils Usually Still ApplyIf your home is damaged by a storm, fire, theft, or vandalism while you're gone, those events are typically covered the same way they would be if you were home.

But Delayed Discovery Can Create ProblemsThe longer an issue goes unnoticed, the worse it gets—and insurance companies may reduce or deny claims if they believe the damage worsened due to lack of attention.
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For example:

• A pipe bursts on Day 2 of your vacation, but you don’t discover it until Day 10.
• The water damage is worse than it would’ve been with prompt action.
• Your insurer may cover the initial leak—but not all the damage from prolonged exposure.

​Common Issues That Happen While You’re Away

You don’t have to be gone for a month for things to go wrong. Even a long weekend can lead to a major headache if you come back to:

• Burst pipes or water heater failures
• Roof leaks from storms
• Break-ins or attempted burglaries
• Fires caused by electrical issues or appliances
• Vandalism

​How to Protect Your Home (and Your Policy) While You're Gone

You can’t stop every problem, but you can take steps that help keep your claim on solid ground if something happens.

1. Tell Someone You TrustLet a neighbor, friend, or family member know you’ll be gone and ask them to check on your house every few days.

2. Turn Off the WaterIf you’re leaving for more than a few days, shut off the main water valve. This is especially helpful during winter months (frozen pipes are a big issue in Oklahoma).

3. Don’t Advertise Your TripHold off on posting vacation updates on social media until you’re back. Empty homes become targets for theft.

4. Install Smart Home TechMotion sensors, leak detectors, and security systems can notify you—and your insurer—if something goes wrong.
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5. Check Your PolicySome insurance companies have specific clauses about homes left vacant or unoccupied for long periods. A quick review can save you a big surprise later.

​Planning a Trip? Talk to an Insurance Agent First

The last thing you want on vacation is a phone call that something’s gone wrong back home. But if it happens, you want to know you’re still covered.

At Oklahoma Insurance Professionals, we help families in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas protect their homes—whether they’re gone for a weekend or a month. We’ll review your policy with you and walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and how to prepare before you leave.
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Thinking about a getaway? Call us first to make sure your home insurance is ready for anything that might happen while you're gone.

Get the best okc home insurance!

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members. Home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, and more. We can help you find the coverage you need. ​