According to a Leger survey conducted by Allstate Canada Insurance, 62% of Canadians say protecting their homes while on vacation is their biggest concern. This concern is sufficient: Allstate’s claims data suggest that break-in trends tend to soar in the summer months, and August is the worst. Friday is the most common day to report theft, followed by Thursday.
Avoid sharing your travel plans on social media
Share your travel details on Instagram, Facebook, or other social platforms essentially tell the world that you are not at home. The survey found that despite the risk, one-third of Canadians who use social media posts before or during the trip. Among young people aged 18 to 34, the number climbed to 51%.
Only 15% of Canadians admit that posting on social media is more important than home safety. But according to the numbers, a lot is being released.
In addition to reminding thieves of your empty house, public holiday posts bring you identity theft. Scammers can use personal information shared online to commit fraud, access your bank account and more. It’s wise to keep your vacation plan for yourself.
Is the home insurance cover breaking into?
Home insurance usually covers losses and damages caused by break-in, but with conditions. Most home insurance policies will cover burglaries, but many people ask someone to check your home while you are out. Some insurance companies require checks every 48 to 72 hours; others say once a week. If something happens and no one shows up in your position, your claim may be rejected. Check your home insurance policy.
How to ensure home safety when not here
If you are traveling this summer, some simple steps can help protect your home.
- Avoid posting travel plans or photos until you return, even if your social media account is set to private. Ask your family or travel partner to do so.
- Check your home insurance policy to confirm your insurance.
- Lock doors and windows, close curtains, close appliances and unplug electronics.
- Keep valuables and cash storage invisible.
- Ask trusted neighbors or friends to regularly inspect your property.
- Set the timer on the outdoor light to illuminate your home and set the timer on the indoor light to make it look like someone’s inside. Change the schedule so that the thief won’t notice the pattern.
- For long-term absences, please pause your mail, newspapers and any subscriptions (such as groceries or cutlery kits), or have someone collect them.
- Use smart home technologies such as alert systems and security cameras to increase your mindset.
A little bit of planning has a long way to go. So keep on taking risks, take those photos and soak up the sun. Just save uploads when you return to the sofa.
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