A vacation should be a time of relaxation and reconnecting with family and friends without the nagging concern about the safety of your home and possessions. Don’t worry, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home while you’re away so you can focus on having fun.

• Lock up. In the rush to get to the car, camper, or Uber ride to the airport, family members may rush in and out of the house to grab forgotten items and, as a result, the doors are left unlocked. Avoid this mistake by giving yourself plenty of time to check that all doors and windows are secured before you leave.
• Put your Mail and Other Deliveries on a Vacation Hold. Don’t let a stack of soggy newspapers on the front porch or an overflowing mailbox signal to would-be thieves that you are away from home. Putting a hold on these items is fast and easy to do using online resources and you can schedule them in advance so you don’t have to wait until the last minute to manage this task.
• Leave a Key with Someone You Trust. Whether it’s a friend, family member or neighbor, ask someone to come over every day or two to check on your home. They can collect unexpected packages, pick up fliers, put out the trash cans, water plants and more. These small things will help your house look occupied and discourage thieves.
• Don’t Share on Social Media. Wait until you’re home to post pictures or stories from your vacation. Sharing this information while you are gone can make your home a target for theft.
• Don’t Hide a Key. If potential thieves have targeted your home, the first thing they will do is look for a hidden key to make the process simpler. Since most people leave a hidden key somewhere that is easy to retrieve, it is also easy for thieves to find it and they will. For this reason, give a key to someone you trust instead.
• Disconnect your Garage Door. With today’s technology, many garage doors can be opened with universal remotes and don’t offer the security you need. Once someone is in your garage, it’s easy to close the door and break into your home without being seen by the neighbors. Disengage your garage door opener and install a manual lock. They are available for less than $10 on Amazon and are a smart way to protect your home whether you are away for an overnight stay or a two-week vacation.
• Put on a Show. Use timers on lights, both inside and out, that simulate your normal routine so it will appear as if you’re home. Be sure to cut the grass and take care of other outdoor maintenance issues before you leave so that an overgrown lawn won’t signal that you are away.

In addition to these steps, you should review your homeowners policy to understand the coverage of the personal belongings that you plant to take on vacation. Most policies offer some coverage for lost and stolen items, including luggage, cameras, phones, computers and more, even if you are not at home. Hopefully, you won’t need this coverage, but knowing that you have it can help to reduce the stress of loss if this situation should arise.

Keeping your family and home protected is your biggest priority, and we can help. At Alliance, we represent the best insurance carriers in Florida and help you purchase a wide range of coverage, including home, life, auto, healthcare and more. Have fun on your vacation.