Going Away? Beware Schoolies & Minders

Whether you're about to pack for that nice, relaxing gold coast holiday by the sea or the do-it-all world tour you've been dreaming of for years, stop and think again about what plans you have put in place for your home while you are away.

Leaving schoolies in charge?

Be afraid if those plans involve offspring looking after your castle while you are taking in the local sights and enjoying local customs. The last thing you want is to be summoned back home after your house has been trashed by a crowd of schoolies headed by your very own Party Boy son!

Many people don't realise that damage done by people invited to your home is not covered by your home and contents insurance. Out-of-control schoolies can rack up tens of thousands of dollars damage to your precious abode in one night and it's likely you'll be left high and dry by your insurer at claims time.

House minding traps

If, however, you don't fall for the old "Don't worry, Mum and Dad, the place will be absolutely fine with us here" line and you decide to install some responsible friends to house sit while you are away, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If the visitors bring valuable items to your home, these may not be covered by your policy, should theft or destruction occur. It's best to check with your insurance company.

Also, while you personally might know how to stop your mischievous pet dog from dining out on the lounge room furniture, your house minders may not. This is important because you may be left with a chewed-up couch after discovering your policy does not cover property damage done by pets.

Another pitfall is leaving your place vacant for an extended period of time. This may void your insurance policy. If you intend to leave your home for extended periods for work or holidays (usually more than two months), it may be worthwhile to check the maximum term that applies with your insurer.

Things you should know before you go

Accidental damage is excluded on most policies but can be taken out as an optional extra which, according to our research, will add up to 30% to your premium. This may be worthwhile if someone in your family is prone to accidents such as driving through the garage wall or spilling red wine all over the white shag pile carpet.
Visitors staying for an extended period who bring valuable items with them may not be covered unless the insurance company is notified.
Beware invitees or persons entering the property with the consent of the policyholder (remember party boy, Corey Delaney/Worthington?) If an invited person damages your property or steals something from your house your insurance claim will probably be rejected.
Going away for more than 60 days and leaving your home unoccupied is an insurance no-no. It's best to inform the insurer if you intend holidaying for an extended period.
Swimming pools not constructed in accordance with proper standards may void insurance cover.
Burglar alarms that are not operating at the time of a burglary may cause a claim to be rejected. Check whether your policy requires an effective alarm system and make sure it is working.

Schoolies Week 2008 dates

Schoolies week dates for 2008 vary according to state:

Queensland Schoolies Week Dates: Saturday November 22nd to Sunday November 30th, 2008
New South Wales Schoolies Week Dates: Saturday November 15th onwards, 2008
South Australia Schoolies Week Dates: Friday November 21st to Sunday November 23rd (at Encounter Schoolies Festival Victor Harbor), 2008
Western Australia Leavers Week Dates: Tuesday November 25th to Friday November 28th, 2008
Victoria Schoolies Week Dates: Saturday November 22nd to Saturday December 6th, 2008

Going Away? Beware Schoolies & Minders

Leaving schoolies in charge?

House minding traps

Things you should know before you go

Schoolies Week 2008 dates

Home and Contents Insurance ...