Holiday Travel & Home Protection: How to Safeguard Your Property While You’re Away

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of Americans hitting the road or flying to visit family and friends. While getting away is a welcome break, it also means your home could be left vulnerable to risks such as break-ins, water leaks, or power issues.

The good news? A little preparation, and a quick review of your insurance coverage, can help you enjoy this season with peace of mind.

Why Holiday Travel Poses Home Risks

When families leave for several days, homes often become easy targets for opportunistic burglars. According to the FBI, property crimes and home break-ins tend to rise during major holiday periods when homeowners are away. Additionally, unexpected issues like burst pipes, power outages, or storm damage can occur when no one is home to notice.

For Southern California homeowners, even our milder winter weather can present risks, such as Santa Ana winds or early rainstorms that can cause leaks or fallen debris. Taking steps to protect your property before you travel helps prevent damage and ensures your insurance will respond properly if something does go wrong.

Secure Your Home Before You Leave

Before packing your bags, take time to make your home look occupied and secure. Here’s a simple checklist:

• Lock All Entry Points: Check doors, windows, and sliding glass entries. Don’t forget the garage and side gates.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Install smart locks, security cameras, and motion lights. Many systems can send alerts directly to your phone.
• Set Timers for Lights: Schedule indoor and outdoor lights to turn on and off automatically to mimic normal activity.
• Stop Mail and Packages: Put deliveries on hold or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them.
• Alert Your Alarm Company: Notify them of your travel plans so they can monitor your property closely.

These steps can deter thieves and show insurers that you’ve taken reasonable precautions, a key factor if you ever file a claim for theft or vandalism.

Prevent Damage from Utilities and Weather

Beyond theft, property damage is another major concern while you’re away. Water damage is one of the most common and costly home insurance claims, especially if a small leak goes unnoticed for days. Before leaving:

• Turn Off Water Supply: Shut off the main valve or use a smart leak detector for added security.
• Adjust Thermostats: Keep your home warm enough to prevent pipe damage during cold nights, especially in higher elevations or mountain homes.
• Unplug Appliances: Reduce fire risk and energy use by unplugging electronics and small kitchen devices.
• Check Smoke and CO2 Detectors: Ensure they’re functioning properly, particularly if leaving heating systems on.

Taking these precautions not only prevents potential damage but can also help ensure a smoother claims process if something happens while you’re gone.

How Insurance Protects Your Home While You’re Away

Most homeowner's policies cover theft, vandalism, fire, and sudden water damage, even if you’re not home. However, understanding how your coverage applies while you’re away is key to avoiding surprises.

What’s Typically Covered:

• Theft or Vandalism: Damage or loss of personal belongings.
• Fire or Smoke Damage: Caused by electrical issues or unattended systems.
• Sudden Water Damage: From burst pipes or appliance malfunctions.

What May Not Be Covered:

• Neglect or Poor Maintenance: Claims may be denied if the insurer determines the issue could have been prevented.
• Extended Vacancies: Homes left unoccupied for more than 30–60 days may require a special endorsement.
• Flood Damage: Typically requires a separate flood policy.

Review your policy before you travel, and talk to your insurance agent about potential gaps in protection. If you own a vacation home, make sure it’s included in your coverage and has proper safeguards like remote monitoring or caretaker visits.

Vacation Home & Seasonal Property Considerations

For those with second homes or vacation properties, this season is an ideal time to reassess insurance coverage. These properties often sit vacant for extended periods, increasing risks of undetected damage. A vacation home holiday coverage review should include:

• Verifying property and liability limits.
• Ensuring regular maintenance or inspections.
• Installing smart monitoring for temperature, water, and security.

Specialized policies may also cover short-term rental activity if your vacation home is listed on Airbnb or similar platforms during the holidays.

Neighbor and Community Support

If you trust your neighbors, let them know you’ll be away. Ask them to:

• Keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
• Collect mail or packages.
• Park occasionally in your driveway to make the home appear occupied.

Building this kind of community connection is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent burglary or vandalism during holiday travel.

Enjoy the Holidays with Peace of Mind

Traveling for the holidays should be about family and connection, not worrying about what’s happening back home. With a few preventive steps and the right insurance coverage, you can safeguard your property against theft, damage, and unexpected mishaps.

At Williams Insurance in Fullerton, we help homeowners understand their policies and close any coverage gaps before they hit the road. Whether you’re reviewing home insurance travel holiday protections or fine-tuning your vacation home coverage, our experts are here to help. Call us at (714) 526-5588 or visit williamsinsurancefullerton.com for a seasonal coverage review today.