Five ways to protect your home while on holiday

Going away? Secure your home and belongings before you leave.

1. Let a trusted friend or neighbour know you’re away

Ask someone you trust to check your home each week. It’s also a good idea to give them a copy of your itinerary and contact details so they can get in touch if anything goes wrong.

Leaving for an extended period? You may also need to contact your insurance provider to let them know.

2. Make it look like you’re at home

As much as possible, make it appear as though you’re still at home:

  • Cancel deliveries and ask a neighbour to collect your mail and put out your bins once a week
  • Hire a gardener or ask a friend to mow your lawns
  • Use a timer switch to turn your lights and appliances on and off
     

3. Take proactive steps to prevent theft and break-ins

These steps will make it more difficult for thieves to access your building and belongings:

  • Check your doors and windows to make sure they close and lock securely
  • Consider installing exterior lights with motion sensors
  • Don’t leave ladders or toolboxes out in the garden or in an unlocked garden shed
  • Hide your valuables – or better yet, invest in a home safe
  • Install a home security camera. Video surveillance can deter criminals from targeting your home
     

4. Turn off your appliances and taps

Turning off and unplugging appliances like your computer, kettle and TV will help save electricity and money. Disconnecting can also reduce the risk of an electrical fire or power surge during a storm. 

Similarly, there are simple ways to help prevent water leaks in your absence:

  • Turn off your main water supply, or if that’s not possible, turn off the taps connected to your appliances and toilets to prevent potential leaks
  • Assess your flexi hoses under the sink before you go and repair if they show signs of deterioration
     

5. Check your home and contents insurance cover

It’s a great idea to regularly review your sum insured amount in your policy to make sure your home and belongings are appropriately covered if something happens while you’re away - like a fire, storm or theft.

Review the range of Home Insurance products provided by Hollard

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Distributed by Commonwealth Bank

Things you should know

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. The commentary provided from external companies that are not a member of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group of Companies (the CBA Group) does not represent an endorsement, recommendation, guarantee or advice in regard to any matter. The CBA Group does not accept any liability for losses or damage arising from any reliance on external companies and their products, services and material. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

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