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Call Us: 800.711.9386 Claims: 866.281.2242
If you own a vacation home in Florida, right after the holidays is when you’ll typically be packing up and heading south for the rest of the winter. Congratulations – you’re a snowbird!
Moving back into your Florida home can be an almost seamless transition if you plan everything in advance. Here are seven things you can do to help make relocating to a warmer climate as stress-free as possible.
Many service providers – such as cable, internet, and phone providers – offer the option for snowbirds to “pause” services in the months they don’t occupy their home. Calling ahead to ensure services are on again when you arrive means you won’t be without your technological comforts.
Florida ranks highest out of all states for credit card fraud, so it’s no surprise that summer residents of Michigan suddenly find their credit cards frozen the first time they try to use them in the Sunshine State. This can be avoided by contacting your financial institution ahead of time, and asking them to note in your file that your credit or debit cards may be used in Florida for several months.
If you may need a refill during your time down South, make sure to bring your current prescriptions and your doctor’s information. Also have a copy of your basic medical records with you in case you need emergency care while in Florida.
Check with your auto insurer to make sure your car is insured while you are in Florida. If you stay in Florida more than 90 days, you’ll probably have to comply with Florida’s registration and insurance laws, which may differ from those in your home state.
If you had the water turned off while you were away, you’ll need to restart service. If you left the water on, a sensor and app combination that alerts you if there is a water leak could prevent water damage. (If you arrive at your Florida home and notice water damage, as an Olympus policyholder you can call us immediately.
If you’ll be in Florida past April 15th, bring all necessary documentation to have your taxes prepared and filed on time.
Your Florida homeowners insurance policy should be reviewed with your agent at least once a year to make sure your coverage is adequate. Know what is covered and what is not; understand how much your different deductibles are; and avoid common misconceptions about homeowners insurance.
By following these steps to prepare for a return to your Florida home, you can make the switch from your winter residence to your summer house an easy one.
Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and founded in 2007, Olympus Insurance Company specializes in Florida property insurance. Through its independent agency force, Olympus insures $40 billion worth of residential and investment property including homes, condos, rental property, and valuable personal property, with umbrella coverage and Spartan Enhanced Coverage available. Coverage for individual risks up to $5 million in total insured value is provided on one of the most comprehensive coverage forms in the industry.
For more information, visit olympusinsurance.com.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not form a part of, replace, change or amend any terms, conditions, provisions or language within your Olympus Insurance policy. We encourage you to read your entire policy.