Protecting Your Home While You Travel This Summer
Summer is finally here, and for many Indiana families, that means road trips, vacations, and well-deserved time away. But while you’re relaxing on a beach or exploring a new city, your home is sitting unattended, and that can make it a target for burglars, storm damage, and unexpected accidents.
The good news? A little preparation before you leave goes a long way. Here’s how to protect your home while you’re away so you can enjoy your summer travels with real peace of mind.
Lock It Down: Really Lock It Down
This sounds obvious, but it’s worth a thorough checklist before you leave. Lock every door and window, including the garage. Sliding doors should have a security bar or rod in the track. Don’t forget about the door between your garage and your home; it’s one of the most commonly overlooked entry points.
If you have a spare key hidden outside, bring it in. Fake rocks and magnetic key holders under cars are well-known tricks to burglars. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor or a family member.
Make Your Home Look Lived In
An empty-looking house is an invitation. A few simple moves can make it appear occupied:
- Set lights on timers, including both inside lights and porch lights. Smart plugs make this easy and inexpensive.
- Pause your mail and packages. The USPS offers free mail holds, and you can delay deliveries with UPS, FedEx, and Amazon. A pile of packages on the porch signals no one is home.
- Ask a neighbor to check in. Have them park in your driveway occasionally, grab any unexpected deliveries, and keep an eye on things. A little community goes a long way.
- Hold off on social media announcements. It’s tempting to post about your vacation, but sharing your location in real time or posting photos until after you’re home is a smart habit.
Protect Against Weather and Water Damage
Indiana summers mean storms, and storms don’t wait for you to get home. Before you leave:
- Turn off your main water supply if you’ll be gone for a week or more. A burst pipe while you’re away can cause catastrophic damage.
- Unplug major appliances (refrigerator excluded) to reduce the risk of electrical fires and power surge damage.
- Check your sump pump. If you have a basement, make sure it’s working properly before you go. Consider a battery backup if you don’t have one already.
- Trim trees near your home. Dead or overgrown branches can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. We covered storm preparation in detail in our Spring Storm Preparedness post, and it’s worth a revisit before summer travel season kicks off.
Invest in a Home Security System
If you don’t already have one, summer is a great time to consider a home security system. Modern systems are more affordable and user-friendly than ever, with features like:
- Smart doorbell cameras that let you see who’s at your door from anywhere
- Motion-activated lights that deter would-be intruders
- Remote monitoring apps so you can check in on your home from your phone
- Automatic alerts for glass breakage, smoke, or carbon monoxide
Many homeowners insurance policies offer discounts for homes with security systems installed, so ask your Oakwood Mutual agent if yours qualifies. Not sure who your agent is or looking to find one? Check out our guide on Finding an Agent and the Right Questions to Ask.
Don’t Forget Your Vehicles
If you’re leaving a car at home, park it in the garage if possible. If not, remove any valuables from sight and make sure it’s locked. A visible GPS unit, laptop bag, or even loose change is enough to tempt a break-in.
Know What Your Policy Covers
Before any big trip, it’s a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy. Know what’s covered in the event of theft, storm damage, or a water incident while you’re away, and whether you have any obligations (like notifying your insurer for extended absences) that could affect a claim. If you haven’t done a full policy review recently, our New Year, New Review: Insurance Policy Review post walks you through exactly what to look for. It’s not just for January!
You may also be surprised by what your policy already includes. From equipment breakdown coverage to identity theft protection, Oakwood policies come with benefits many members don’t even realize they have. Read our post on the Hidden Benefits of Oakwood Policies to make sure you’re taking full advantage of what you’re already paying for.
If you have questions about your coverage or want to make sure you’re fully protected heading into summer, our team is here to help. Don’t wait until something happens to find out you had a gap in your coverage.
A Quick Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you pull out of the driveway, run through these:
- All doors and windows locked
- Spare key retrieved from outside
- Mail and packages paused or redirected
- Lights set on timers
- Major appliances unplugged
- Water supply turned off (for longer trips)
- Sump pump checked
- Neighbor or trusted contact notified
- Security system activated
- Social media posts planned for after your return
Leave with Confidence: Your Agent Is a Call Away
Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and a little preparation means you can enjoy your summer without that nagging worry in the back of your mind. Your local Oakwood Mutual agent is always here to help, whether you have questions about your current coverage, want to walk through your policy before you leave, or just want to make sure you’re fully protected. They know your community, they know your needs, and they’re just a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out before your next trip. Find your local Oakwood agent here.
Safe travels from all of us at Oakwood Mutual.
