How to Prepare Your Home Before You Travel, According to Home Insurance Experts

Review Your Policy

Katie Irey, senior vice president at Allstate, says, "Think of homeowners insurance like a security blanket for your house, especially when you’re not around to keep an eye on things." With this in mind, thoughtfully review your insurance policy well ahead of your planned trip. "It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential," notes Irey.
"Reviewing your coverage before a trip can give you peace of mind while you’re miles away."

Your policy should be up-to-date, cover valuables, and be tailored to your specific region (such as including wind insurance in hurricane-prone areas). "Lightning, hail, and wind can strike anytime," says Irey. "A good homeowners policy helps cover all repairs and replacements, so you’re not returning to unexpected expenses or unlivable conditions."

Install a Security Camera and Flood Lights

To keep track of what is going on in and around your home, insurance expert Fran Majidi recommends installing flood lights and investing in a security system. “Not all security systems are equally effective—but investing in a good one is worth it,” she says. (The purchase might even qualify the homeowner for a discount on their insurance.)

Exterior lights with motion sensors will illuminate when needed without burdening wildlife. Additionally, smart lights or timers are an effective way to keep any passersby from noticing that you are away. "The right smart home devices can be programmed to turn lights on and off to make it appear as if people are home," explains Majidi.

Plan for Mail

“Packages stacked up on your front steps indicate that you’re not home,” warns Melanie Musson of Clearsurance. Pause package deliveries to prevent theft, as well as minimize any further awareness that the home is vacant. “They can become an easy target for porch pirates.”

You can also opt to have a neighbor stop by regularly to collect mail, so that your absence is not made evident by an overstuffed mailbox.

Turn off the Main Water Supply

Before traveling, Irey recommends turning off your home's main water supply to prevent any water damage from occurring while you're gone. “Water leaks and burst pipes cause some of the costliest claims,” she says. ”Think of it as putting your home in ‘sleep mode’ to help avoid major damage and stress.” 

You may also want to consider a smart water off-switch. “A shut-off valve will cut off your water supply if it detects an unusual amount of water being used,” adds Musson.

Lock Doors and Windows

This one may seem obvious, but it's worth a double-check: Ensure all of your doors and windows are securely locked, as one mistake could cost you. “This includes garage doors and any side entrances,” reminds insurance client advisor Colleen Parsons. Open entryways invite intruders.

Hire Landscapers

An unkempt lawn can be an obvious sign of an empty house, hence the importance of hiring professional landscapers while you are away. “If you’re on vacation, you don’t want to advertise it with an overgrown lawn saying no one is home,” says Musson.

Adjust Your Thermostat

While you are away, Parsons advises setting your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. Doing so will not only help to conserve energy, but will protect your pipes in the colder months and not put so much strain on your HVAC system in the summer.

Trim Dead Branches

Trimming any dead branches on your property before leaving is an important safety precaution. It's especially necessary in regions where high-wind storms are common. “If a storm blows through while you’re gone, dead or damaged branches can break and damage your home and property,” Musson explains.

Secure Your Valuables

In the case of theft, your valuables are more vulnerable if they are not securely stored. “Be sure to lock up any jewelry, documents, and anything else of value in a safe if you are not taking them with you,” urges Parsons. Even if your home insurance policy covers valuables, there are certain possessions and papers which can never be recovered or replaced.

Schedule Check-Ins

For an extended vacation, it is recommended to have a trusted someone drop in every so often. “They might be able to mitigate a disaster by catching problems, like a leak before it turns into a flood,” says Majidi.

Additionally, they can give you reassuring updates on the state and safety of your home. And not to mention, their mere presence will ward off inquiring eyes. 

Unplug Electronics

When it comes to electronics and fire safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before you leave town, Parsons advises unplugging your TV’s, small appliances and computers. “This not only saves on energy, but can help prevent power surges,” she says.

Hide Your Wi-Fi Router

In the case of burglary, have your Wi-Fi router hidden in an inconspicuous place for an extra layer of safety. “Tucking your router in a locked cabinet helps protect your smart home devices and security cameras from being disabled if someone breaks in,” explains Irey.

Inspect Fences—or Consider Installing One

Your property is always safer when surrounded by a fence. A secure fence can deter burglary, home invasion, or vandalism. You should especially have one if you have fun features like a swimming pool or trampoline on your property. (In many states, it's the law.) “You may be liable for injuries to trespassers according to attractive nuisance laws, which are aimed at protecting children,” cautions Majidi.

Stop Code Hackers in Their Tracks

Even with modern security systems, crafty thieves and code hackers have ways of getting past the alarm. “Many garage door systems have a manual shutoff switch inside the garage,” explains Irey. “Flipping it off can prevent break-ins through stolen remotes or guessed codes.”

Don't Forget Your Vehicle

In addition to your home insurance, ensure you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, advises Majidi. “Whether you park your car on the street or in the garage, if you’re leaving it behind for several days or weeks, the chances of it being stolen are higher than usual,” she warns.