Home Watch and your homeowners insurance.

Ask before leaving the home unoccupied

Give your insurer an accurate description of how you use the property and how long you expect to be away. Ask for the requirements that apply to your policy in writing.

• How does the policy define unoccupied or vacant?
• Are visits required, and what records should be kept?
• Are there water-shutoff or maintenance conditions?
• Who should be contacted if damage is discovered?

What insurers say about reporting a loss

Citizens advises policyholders to report suspected damage promptly, photograph the condition, take safe steps to limit further damage and retain relevant receipts. Follow your own insurer’s instructions for your claim.

Water damage and flood damage are different

Allstate explains that sudden, accidental water damage may be covered, while gradual leaks or neglected maintenance may be excluded. The cause, policy terms and circumstances matter.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program notes that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Discuss flood protection separately with a licensed insurance professional.

What a Lantern report contributes

A completed visit report can record the date, checks performed, photographs, readings and visible findings. It can help you explain what was observed during that visit.

It cannot establish the exact start of a hidden problem, prove the cause of damage or guarantee a claim decision. Keep the report alongside communications, invoices and any insurer-requested records.

Choose a visit schedule for the property

Lantern offers weekly or every-14-days visits. Confirm your insurer’s requirements before choosing a plan and share relevant instructions during your assessment.

There is no universal visit interval that we can represent as satisfying every insurance policy. Home Watch also does not automatically qualify a property for a premium discount.