Whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip or an extended summer vacation, leaving your home unoccupied comes with more risk than most homeowners expect. From unnoticed water leaks to break-ins or electrical issues, even a few days away can open the door to costly damage or insurance complications. In this blog, we’ll walk through five practical tips to protect your home while you’re away and how the right homeowner’s insurance can help you stay covered, even when you’re not around.

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Before leaving, take time to review your homeowner’s insurance. Know what’s covered—especially if your home will be empty for an extended time. Some policies have conditions around unoccupied homes. Ask your insurance provider about theft, weather, or personal property coverage if you’re unsure. A quick check now can prevent expensive surprises later.

2. Make Your Home Look Lived-In

An empty home can attract attention. Use light timers, pause mail, or ask a neighbor to collect packages. Avoid posting vacation updates on social media until you return. Let a trusted friend or neighbor know you’re away so they can help keep an eye on things. Check out our blog about home safety for more information.

3. Complete Routine Maintenance Before Leaving

A quick home check before you leave can help prevent some of the most common homeowner’s insurance claims. Look for leaks under sinks, clean out gutters, unplug unnecessary electronics, and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Water damage and electrical fires are two of the most frequent causes of claims, which are often preventable with routine maintenance.

4. Use Smart Technology for Security and Monitoring

Smart home technology makes vacation home preparation simple and effective. Install security cameras, motion lights, or smart thermostats that you can monitor from your phone. Real-time alerts can help you respond quickly if something goes wrong while you’re gone.

5. Organize Home Inventory and Documents

Before heading out, update your home inventory by taking clear photos of each room and any valuable items, and make sure you have digital copies of receipts, warranties, and your insurance policy stored in a cloud-based system. If something happens while you’re away, this documentation will make the insurance claims process easier.

At the Safeside Insurance Agency, we’re here to make sure your homeowners insurance gives you the protection you need, whether you’re at home or away. From customizing your coverage to fit your travel plans to helping you find better options across multiple carriers, we’re ready to help you feel confident in your policy. Reach out to our team or start a quote online today.