It doesn’t matter if it’s a long trip abroad or a couple of days travelling in the UK – your home is vulnerable to thieves when you're not there.
Thankfully, there are some measures you can take to help give you peace of mind, including improving home security and taking out home insurance.
Here’s our advice on how to keep your home safe and secure, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Everyday security
Some home insurance policies may require that your house has certain levels of security (for example, having adequate locks on all your doors and windows). Check your policy documents to see what you’re covered for.
Here are some basic security tips:
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked whenever you leave your home.
- Install a burglar alarm and set it every time you go out.
- Set up security lights that trigger when someone comes near the house.
- Leave lights on in a hallway or landing to make it seem like someone’s in.
- Keep tools like ladders locked up and out of sight to avoid giving thieves a helping hand.
- Keep anything people could climb on, such as large bins, hidden and away from the front of your house.
- Keep valuables such as computers, TVs, tablets, and mobiles out of sight through windows.
- Consider investing in a front door camera.
Extra precautions while you're away
Here are some extra measures you can take whenever you're away for longer:
- Add timer switches to lights, so they come on at the same time each night. You could also use smart bulbs to control your lighting via your phone.
- Install a timer switch to your radio to make it sound like someone is in.
- Make sure all your window locks are working properly, and close curtains so thieves can’t see inside your home.
- Cancel regular deliveries, such as milk or recipe boxes, so they don’t pile up on your doorstep.
- Arrange for your mail to be delivered when you return home or even forwarded to your holiday destination.
- Cut the lawn before you go away, so it doesn’t get too overgrown, alerting potential thieves that you’re not there.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to watch your home while you are away. They can pop round to water your plants, collect your post and check everything is secure.
- Offer for a neighbour to park their car in your driveway. Even if only for a day or two, it will give the impression that your home has people coming and going.
If you’re travelling with luggage, another tip is to avoid writing your name and address on any visible luggage labels.
Staying insured
Should someone break into your home while you're away, you can get some peace of mind by having home insurance.
Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home – including outbuildings and permanent fittings – against damage by incidents such as fire, flood, or theft. Contents insurance protects the items inside your home – such as carpets, furniture and electrical goods .
Before going away, it's well worth reminding yourself of the terms and conditions of your policy. For example, some exclusions might apply if the property has been unoccupied for 60 consecutive days. It's worth checking with your insurer if you plan to leave the house for a long period of time.
