Vacation should be relaxing, not filled with concerns about home. Preparing ahead helps safeguard your house, belongings, and peace of mind.
No matter the length of your trip, a few essential steps can provide security and peace of mind. Let’s explore these key actions in detail, starting with how preparation begins well before you leave.
Start With Your Insurance and Home Inventory
Before you travel, it is a good idea to review your home insurance coverage. Make sure your limits still match what you own today, especially if you have added high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, or collectibles.
Updating your home inventory is another smart step. Having an accurate list of your belongings can make the claim process much easier if you ever need one. It is a task many people put off, but it is far easier to do before something unexpected happens.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
An empty home can be easier to spot than you might think. Small, simple details help your house look lived in while you are away.
Ask a friend or neighbour to collect your mail and packages, or place a temporary hold on deliveries. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed or snow to be cleared, depending on the season. These steps help avoid drawing attention to an empty property.
Inside your home, set a few lights on timers to keep the place active in the evening. If you have a security system, make sure it is activated and let your monitoring company know you will be away.
Lock Things Down Before You Go
A final walk through your home is always worth the time. Double-check that all doors and windows are locked, including garage doors and basement windows.
Remove any spare keys from outside hiding spots, as these are some of the first places thieves look. If possible, ask someone you trust to check on your home occasionally, or at least do a quick drive-by.
Reduce the Risk of Damage While You Are Away
Vacations are also a common time for water and weather-related issues to occur unnoticed.
Turn off your main water supply before leaving to reduce the risk of leaks. Adjust your thermostat to vacation-friendly settings so your home stays protected without wasting energy. In colder months, this means keeping the heat on at a safe level. In warmer months, it means setting the temperature higher than usual.
Unplug non-essential electronics to protect them from power surges. If your router needs to stay on, plug it into a quality surge protector.
Be Mindful of Social Media
Sharing vacation photos can wait. Posting trip details while you are still away can unintentionally signal that your home is empty. It is safer to share photos and updates once you are back home.
Do Not Forget Travel Insurance
Protecting your home is one part of travel planning. Protecting yourself while you are away is just as important.
Through our travel insurance partnership, you can access coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions. These are the kinds of surprises that can quickly add stress to any trip.
Having the right travel insurance means fewer worries and more confidence while you travel, whether you are staying within Canada or heading abroad. If you are planning a trip and want help making sure both your home and your travels are properly protected, our team is happy to help.
LET'S TALK COVERAGE
Get coverage for your business, home, and car—with advice you can trust.
About Wedgwood Insurance
Wedgwood Insurance has offices in St. John’s & Corner Brook and is Newfoundland & Labrador’s largest independent insurance broker. We provide straightforward home, auto & business insurance advice.
With over 400 Google My Business reviews, experience the Wedgwood difference with expert advice from our dedicated team. We ensure that every client has the coverage that best suits their needs through upfront complimentary consultations and midterm reviews.
Contact Us
