If you’re one of the many Americans who will spend the holidays away from home, it’s important to keep your property safe during your absence.

In this post, we’ll share tips on how to keep your unoccupied home safe during the holiday season.

1. Ask a neighbor to watch your home.

Let a neighbor or trusted friend know that you’ll be away and for how long. Give them a key so they can check in on your home periodically while you’re gone. Catching a problem early can be the difference between a nuisance repair and a full restoration.

2. Stop all deliveries.

Stop all mail and deliveries, or arrange for someone to pick them up while you’re away. A pile of uncollected mail is a surefire way to tip off burglars that no one is home.

3. Invest in a home security system.

A home security system is one of the best ways to deter burglars and protect your property in your absence. Be sure to choose a system that offers 24/7 monitoring and remote access so you can always stay aware of what’s going on at your home, even when you’re away.

4. Make it look like someone’s home.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling is failing to make it look like someone is still living there. Consider using timers on your lights to give the impression that someone is still around and hiring a lawn service to maintain the exterior of your property.

5. Secure all entry points.

Before you leave for your holiday travels, walk around your home and check that all doors and windows are properly locked. Also, be sure to put away any spare keys so burglars can’t easily gain entry to your home.

6. Adjust your social media behavior.

Another way to help protect your home is by modifying your social media activity. Posting photos and updates about your holiday plans can give burglars the information they need to target your address. Wait until after you’ve come home to show off your wonderful trip. In addition, many social media sites use location data that can reveal your current whereabouts, so check your location settings to avoid revealing too much info about your absence.

7. Turn off your water at the main.

Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims resulting from extended absences from home. To prevent leaks and burst pipes, cut your water off at the main and run a faucet until the cold water is empty. Do not empty a water heater, though. That can damage the elements.

8. Update your insurance.

Finally, make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up to date and provides adequate coverage in case of theft, fire, or other damage while you’re away.

Home insurance for an unoccupied house

If you’re planning on leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period, it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance in place. Many homeowners insurance policies are written for an “owner occupied” dwelling or residence. The policy assumes the home is occupied. If you go on a trip for a lengthy period of time—say 30 or more consecutive days, leaving no one at home—a claim could be contested on the basis that the home was left unoccupied.

If you’re planning to leave your home unoccupied for over 30 days, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to make sure your existing policy provides coverage for that extended absence.

Protect your home during your holiday trips with these few simple tips, and enjoy your travels knowing you are safeguarded from disaster.

For help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for you, request a quote here.