Your upcoming vacation should be a time to relax, and not worry about what's happening back home. Unfortunately, every year some homeowners return home to find their house broken into, damaged, or vandalized while they were gone.

Before you pack your bags this summer, discover some of the ways you can protect your home and personal property so your house and personal property are safe. Otherwise, you could come back from a dream trip away only to discover a nightmare situation waiting for you at home.

Today's Aegis blog post offers several important tips to help you secure your home and possessions before heading off to vacation, and explains why it's worth reviewing your Homeowners Insurance policy before you hit the road.

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Before you even start packing for your vacation, it's a good idea to go over your Homeowners Insurance policy. Important items to review include:

• Checking your coverage limits for personal property
• Confirm protection for theft, vandalism, or water damage
• Ask your agent about off-premises coverage for belongings you take on vacation like laptops, cameras, or jewelry
• Ensure your policy is up to date and includes any recent renovations or big purchases
• Make sure you have Flood Insurance added since a Homeowners Policy won't cover water damage from flood waters

If you haven't looked at your Homeowners policy in a while, this is the perfect reason to schedule a quick review with your insurance agent.

2. Ask a Trusted Neighbor or Friend to Keep Watch

One of the best defenses against burglary is simply making sure your house doesn't appear to be empty while you're out of town.

• Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by every day or two to check on your house and backyard.
• Have them bring in mail or packages, water plants, and check for any signs of forced entry or storm damage.
• Leave them with your contact info and a spare key so you don't have to hide one outside.
• If your house suffers storm damage or flood damage while you're away, have them photograph any interior or exterior damage.

A house that's being regularly checked on is far less likely to be targeted. Also, by having a friend or family member collect mail, packages, or newspapers, it gives the appearance that you're still home.

3. Install Smart Security Devices

Technology is your friend when it comes to home security. You can install security cameras or smart doorbells that send alerts even if you're thousands of miles from home.

• Digital doorbell cameras can show you who's at your door in real time, and some even allow you to speak with them or warn them that they're on camera.
• Smart locks allow you to control entry from your phone to allow a friend or relative inside to check on the house.
• Motion detection lights around entryways, garages, and backyards can scare away unwanted visitors.
• Home security alarms with remote alerts can notify you and local authorities if there's a break-in or fire.

Upgrading your home with an approved security system may qualify you for discounts on insurance premiums, so it's worth checking out before leaving home.

4. Use Timers to Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In

An empty, dark house is an easy target for burglars and vandals. Automatic timers for indoor and outdoor lights are a simple way to create the illusion that someone is home.

• Set indoor lights to turn on and off at normal times in different rooms.
• Use TV or radio timers for added realism.
• If possible, leave a car in the driveway or arrange for a neighbor to park in your driveway for a day or two.

This small investment can help reduce your risk of a break-in, and make your house much less attractive to criminals.

5. Shut Off Water and Unplug Electronics

One of the worst possible scenarios is coming home from vacation to discover a burst water pipe or fire that's caused thousands of dollars in damage. Homeowners can significantly reduce this risk by:

• Turning off water to the house, especially to washing machines or dishwashers.
• Unplugging nonessential electronics to prevent fire risks and save energy.
• Testing smoke detectors to ensure they're working correctly.

Insurance may help cover water and fire damages, but early prevention is always cheaper than an insurance claim.

Peace of Mind Starts with Planning

Whether you're heading to the beach, visiting family on a road trip, or taking a cruise, the last thing you want is to deal with a break-in, fire, or water damage when you get home. Protecting your house starts with smart steps, and the right insurance.

Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is the Personal Insurance partner Texas homeowners need to protect what matters most. We have decades of experience providing exceptional coverage to homeowners, and we have an in-depth understanding of the unique risks and challenges Texas homeowners face.

Call Aegis Insurance & Financial Services today at 713-850-7622 to speak with a Personal Lines agent or schedule a Homeowners Insurance policy review.

We'll help you make sure your coverage matches your lifestyle so you can travel with peace of mind.