âš TLDR:
Before heading out of town, protect your Florida home with simple preventive steps like turning off the water, unplugging appliances, setting smart home devices, locking all doors and windows, and asking a neighbor to check in. These actions can prevent costly insurance claims. If disaster strikes, contact Panther Public Adjusting for expert help getting the payout you deserve. Call 833-726-8437, email Claims@PantherPA.com, or visit pantherpa.com/contact.
Planning a getaway should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you’re flying to Europe or driving to the Keys, the last thing you want is to come home to a flooded kitchen, a burglarized house, or an AC system that failed and allowed mold to spread through your home. At Panther Public Adjusting, weâve seen it allâand we know most disasters that happen while you’re away could have been prevented with a few easy steps before leaving.
I’m Mendy with My Insurance Claim Expert, brought to you by Panther Public Adjusting. In this post, Iâll walk you through a quick and powerful vacation home protection checklist. These tips are especially important for Florida homeowners, who face unique risks like storms, humidity, and elevated theft rates in certain areas.
More importantly, weâll also show you how to prepare in a way that protects your insurance rightsâso if something does go wrong, your documentation is strong, and your claim is handled with maximum payout potential.
Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply đż
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face while on vacation. A slow drip under a sink or a burst pipe behind a wall can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. If no one is home to catch it, the damage can spread for days.
The best way to prevent this? Turn off your main water valve before you leave. It takes less than a minute and could save you a massive insurance headache.
If you do come home to flooding, do not call your insurance company first. Call Panther Public Adjusting at 833-726-8437 so we can assess the damage and protect your claim from the start.
Step 2: Unplug Appliances and Check Smoke Alarms đ„
Unplug electronics like toasters, chargers, TVs, and lamps. This reduces fire risk and protects your home from power surges or faulty wires.
Also, test your smoke detectors before you leave. Make sure batteries are fresh, especially if youâll be away for more than a few days.
Fires that happen while youâre away are devastatingâand insurance companies may look for reasons to delay or deny your payout. Thatâs why itâs critical to work with a public adjuster if you experience a fire loss. Check out our post on how we helped a client recover from a dorm room fire.
Step 3: Use Smart Home Tech to Deter Crime and Control Climate đ±
Smart thermostats, lights, and security systems are not just convenientâtheyâre powerful tools to protect your home while youâre away.
Set your thermostat to regulate humidity and prevent mold. Use smart plugs or timers to make lights go on and off in different rooms each night. This makes it look like someone is home and discourages potential burglars.
For an extra layer of protection, use a camera system connected to your smartphone.
Step 4: Lock All Entry Points and Secure Sliding Doors đ
Many homeowners forget to lock side doors, garage access doors, or windows they rarely use. Before you leave, walk your homeâs perimeter and lock everything, even if you think no one would ever use that entrance.
If you have sliding glass doors, reinforce them with a bar or rod in the track. And, of course, make sure your alarm system is armed.
Criminals often look for homes that appear vacant. Donât give them an opportunity.
Step 5: Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In đ
A trusted friend or neighbor doing a walkthrough every couple of days is one of the smartest ways to catch small issues before they become major disasters.
They can bring in mail, check for unusual odors, notice leaks, or alert you to break-ins. Bonus: Insurance companies often ask how frequently the property was checked if you file a claim. Having someone involved helps protect your case.
If disaster strikes while youâre away, call Panther Public Adjusting immediately at 833-726-8437. Weâll help you take the right next steps.
Step 6: Take Photos and Videos of Your Property Before You Leave đž
Walk through your house and take a video showing major systems, valuables, electronics, and appliances. Open cabinets and capture contents. Make sure time and date stamps are enabled on your phone or camera.
Why? Because if you need to file a claim, this documentation will help prove the pre-loss condition of your home and contents.
Check out our story on how one documented policy turned $618 into $68,000. The right photos can be powerful evidence.
Email your documents to Claims@PantherPA.com before you leave. Weâll review your policy for free and identify any coverage gaps you should know about.
Bonus Tip: Leave Emergency Access Details with Someone You Trust đ
If something happens, someone may need to enter your home. Leave a spare key or alarm code with a person you trust and make sure they know how to reach you in case of emergency.
Also, leave a copy of your insurance policy and Panther Public Adjustingâs number: 833-726-8437.
Why You Should Never File a Claim Alone
If disaster strikes, donât give your insurance company the upper hand. Their job is to minimize your payoutâour job is to maximize it.
We fight to make sure homeowners across Florida get the full coverage they paid for. You shouldnât have to learn insurance law while dealing with mold or fire damage.
Before you call your insurance company, contact Panther Public Adjusting to protect your rights and your payout.
Help Is Just a Click Away
đ Call now: 833-726-8437
đ§ Email your policy for review: Claims@PantherPA.com
đ Submit a contact form for help
Donât Miss These Resources
â Watch our latest tips on YouTube at My Insurance Claim Expert. Youâll find real Florida claim stories and tips that can save you thousands.
â Join our Facebook group Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101 to connect with other homeowners, ask questions, and stay ahead of insurance company tricks.
â Learn how insurance companies use sneaky tactics to underpay you in this post about one of their oldest tricks.
Internal Link Rotation (Cities)
Homeowners in Saint Petersburg, Venice, and Palmettoâdonât take chances while you’re away. Make sure youâre protected.
Read how Saint Petersburgâs top public adjusters get the payout you deserve,
or learn how Palmettoâs leading public adjusters fight for your settlement,
and discover why Venice homeowners trust PantherPA to get the insurance payout they deserve.
â Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget to turn off the water before vacation? Can I still file a claim?
Yes, but be prepared for more scrutiny. Your claim might be delayed or reduced if the insurer argues it could have been prevented. Panther Public Adjusting can help push back and fight for your full payout.
Why hire a public adjuster instead of handling the claim myself?
Insurance companies have teams of experts working against you. We level the playing field. Homeowners with public adjusters typically receive significantly higher settlements. We manage the process from start to finish and fight for what you’re owed.
Is it really necessary to document my home before I leave?
Absolutely. Photos and videos taken before damage occurs are critical proof. They show the condition of your property and contents. Insurers often require this evidence.