How to Secure Your Home While You’re on Vacation

As summer arrives, many Canadians are planning vacations—everything from a cottage weekend to an extended trip abroad. While travel brings welcome rest and adventure, it can also create new worries about home security. According to a Leger survey conducted for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, 62% of Canadians say protecting their home while they’re away is their top concern. That concern is backed by claims data showing burglary claims tend to rise in the summer months, with August being the peak, and Fridays and Thursdays the most common days for reported thefts.

Understanding the risks and taking a few practical steps before you leave can greatly reduce the chance of theft, damage or fraud while you’re away. Below, we summarize key precautions and explain what many home insurance policies require if you need to file a claim after a break-in.

Avoid sharing travel plans on social media

Posting vacation plans, photos or live updates on social networks tells anyone who follows you that your home is unoccupied. The Leger survey found that nearly one in three Canadians who use social media post about their trips before or during travel; among those aged 18 to 34, that rises to 51%. Only 15% of Canadians said posting on social media is more important to them than home security, yet many still post while away.

Public vacation posts can also expose you to identity theft and related scams. Personal details shared online—photos of boarding passes, travel itineraries, hotel confirmations or even selfies showing sensitive documents—can be harvested by scammers to attempt account takeovers or fraud. For better security, delay sharing photos and trip details until after you return, and ask travel companions and family members to do the same.

Does home insurance cover break-ins?

Most home insurance policies do cover losses and damage caused by burglary, but coverage often comes with conditions. Many insurers expect someone to check on an unoccupied home at regular intervals while you’re away. The frequency insurers require varies: some ask for checks every 48 to 72 hours while others allow weekly visits. If an incident occurs and your home has been left unattended without the requested checks, your claim could be denied. Before you leave, read your policy carefully and confirm any reporting or vacancy requirements with your insurer.

How to keep your home safe while you’re away

Simple, proactive measures can deter thieves and reduce risk. Consider the following checklist before you leave for your trip.

• Avoid posting trip plans or photos until you’re back. Even private accounts can be shared or viewed by people you don’t expect. Ask family and travel companions to hold off on public posts as well.
• Review your home insurance policy to confirm what’s covered during an absence and whether the insurer requires routine property checks while you’re away.
• Lock all doors and windows, set deadbolts, close curtains, and ensure all entry points are secure. Leave no obvious access for opportunistic intruders.
• Turn off non-essential appliances and unplug electronics to reduce fire risk and save energy.
• Store valuables—jewelry, important documents, cash—out of sight or in a secure safe. Photograph or inventory valuables before you go; an updated record helps with police reports and insurance claims if needed.
• Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to check the property regularly. Provide them with a spare key, contact information, and any instructions for emergencies.
• Use timers on outdoor and indoor lights to create the appearance of occupancy. Vary the schedule so lights don’t turn on and off at the exact same times every day.
• Pause mail, newspaper and subscription deliveries for the duration of your trip, or arrange for someone to collect them daily so boxes and doorsteps do not signal an empty home.
• Consider installing or activating smart-home devices like alarm systems, doorbell cameras and motion sensors. Remote monitoring lets you check in and respond quickly if anything seems off.
• For longer absences, consider additional measures such as an automated irrigation schedule or a trusted house sitter, and make sure your contact information is available to neighbours or building management.

Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and makes it less likely you’ll return to unpleasant surprises. Enjoy your trip—take photos, make memories and share them once you’re safely back on your couch.

More about home insurance:

• Top ways credit card fees can affect your trip expenses
• Does home insurance cover wildfire damage?
• How to compare tenant insurance quotes from top Canadian providers
• Vacant home insurance: is my house covered if I’m not living there?