Nothing ruins a great trip faster than coming home to a break-in. Winter travel season is peak burglary season, and an empty house sends the wrong signal to the wrong people. The good news is that learning how to protect your home while on vacation doesn’t take much time or money. A few smart habits before you leave can make your house far less appealing to a burglar.
Think Like a Burglar Before You Leave
Before you pack your bags, walk outside and look at your house the way a burglar would. Overflowing trash cans full of empty electronics boxes practically advertise what’s inside. Overgrown bushes near windows or doors give someone a place to hide while they work. A decorative trellis climbing up to a second-story window might look charming, but it can also double as a ladder.
Take a slow walk around your property and ask yourself what a stranger would notice first. Trim back shrubs that block your windows. Break down boxes before trash day. Small changes like these remove the easy opportunities burglars look for.
Steps to Protect Your Home on Vacation
Burglars typically avoid homes that look occupied and watched. A visible neighborhood watch sign, good exterior lighting, or a dog that barks at strangers can be enough to send them elsewhere. If someone does target your home, they’ll usually search for the easiest way in first.
Check every entry point before you leave. Unlocked doors, open windows, and flimsy garage doors are common targets. A garage roof within reach of a second-floor window is another weak spot many homeowners overlook. Walk through each room and confirm windows are locked and secured, not just closed.
Skip These Common Vacation Security Mistakes
Most people already know to pause mail and newspaper delivery, but a few less obvious habits can undo that effort. Never leave a note on your front door for a house sitter or delivery driver. You wouldn’t post your travel plans on your door if you were home, so don’t do it while you’re away either.
Skip the hidden key trick too. Fake rocks and keys tucked into planters near the front door are common hiding spots, and experienced burglars typically know exactly where to look. If someone needs access to your home, hand them a key directly or use a lockbox with a code instead.
Keep Your Home Protected While on Vacation
A trusted neighbor or friend can be one of your best security tools. Ask them to check on your house every few days while you’re gone. Having someone collect packages, rotate the lights, or simply park in your driveway now and then can make your home look consistently lived-in. It may be pricey, but installing cameras will allow you to keep an eye on things anywhere you are.
It’s also worth reviewing your homeowners insurance before a trip, especially if you’ll be away for an extended period. Confirm what your policy covers if a break-in or theft does happen, and consider photographing valuables ahead of time for your records.
Get the Right Coverage, Just in Case
Home security habits can lower your risk, but they can’t guarantee a burglary won’t happen. That’s what homeowners insurance is for. Having the right coverage in place means you’re not starting from scratch if something goes wrong while you’re away. AIS Insurance can help you review your policy and make sure your coverage actually matches what’s in your home today. Give us a call at (888) 772-4247 to get a free quote and travel with a little more peace of mind.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.