Five ways to protect your home while on holiday

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.

Use this handy building insurance calculator and contents insurance calculator to help ensure you’re appropriately covered
Explore Portable valuables cover options

Review the range of Home Insurance products provided by Hollard

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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.

Home Insurance is provided by Hollard Insurance Partners Limited ABN 96 067 524 216, AFSL 235030 (Hollard) and distributed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (CBA). Hollard is the insurer of this Home Insurance product. Hollard is not part of the CBA Group. CBA does not guarantee the obligations or performance of Hollard or the products Hollard offers. Neither CBA, nor any of its related bodies corporate accepts liability or guarantees payment of any claim or benefit in respect of general insurance products issued by Hollard. CBA may be paid a commission if Hollard issues you with a Home Insurance policy. Details are provided in the Financial Services Guide (FSG) by clicking on the link, or by calling 13 1361 for a paper copy.

For products issued by Hollard, information about the target market can be found within the product’s Target Market Determination.

This information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decision about this product you should consider this information in relation to your own circumstances. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available at all Commonwealth Bank branches, by downloading them from commbank.com.au or by calling 13 1361 and should be considered before making any decisions about this product. You should also read the Premium, Excess and Discount Guide (PEDG), Key Facts Sheets (KFS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) by clicking on the links, or by calling 13 1361 for a paper copy.