Before you pack up in a hurry and get on the move, here are a few insurance considerations every snowbird heading to warmer climates should consider:
Auto Insurance
Now that you’re heading to Florida to spend some time, you’ll probably be using your vehicle to get around. You’ll want to ask yourself: do I need to register my car at my winter home and also, do I need to buy auto insurance, if so in which state?
Homeowners Insurance
One of the simplest ways to save money on your homeowners insurance is to avoid a claim. Making sure your home is prepared to endure a long vacation absence is important. Apart from ensuring that your water heater is off and valves are turned off, securing your home before you head off to warmer climates also means reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy. You’ll want to check with and notify your insurance company or agent of your plans to leave, and find out if there are any conditions that need to be met under the terms of your policy. You may have to provide contact information and make mention of someone who has the keys and can access your home in the event of an emergency.
Health Insurance
If the winter season brings you out of the country, perhaps on a lovely island or a family cruise, you’ll want to have your health insurance policy reviewed before you head off. Traditional Medicare coverage only covers you in the 50 states. According to Medicare.gov, “The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S.” If your policy has additional coverage, check with your insurance company or agent to ensure that you are properly covered at your final destination.
Packed, Prepared and Ready for the South
Avoiding the snowflakes is a smart thing to do. Who cares about the cold anyway, you’re about to have some fun in the sun! Your sunscreen is packed. You’ve got some awesome plans and now that we have laid out all of these insurance considerations, you are going to be one happy snowbird, packed, prepared and ready for the South!
Call us at (561) 478- 1660 and talk to any one of our licensed and experienced agents, who are ready to assist you in reviewing and understanding your personal insurance needs as a snowbird heading to warmer climates.