Heading off this summer? A few simple steps can help your clients protect their home

Make your home look lived in

One of the simplest ways to deter opportunistic thieves is to make your property appear occupied.

Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to collect post, move bins, open and close curtains, and periodically check on your home. If you have regular deliveries or subscription boxes, consider pausing them while you're away. A build-up of parcels or newspapers can be a clear sign that nobody is home.

You could also use timer-controlled lighting or smart home technology to create activity patterns during the evenings.

Put valuables somewhere safe

Before you leave, take a moment to secure valuable items such as jewellery, watches, important documents and collectibles. Where possible, keep them in a home safe or another secure location out of sight.

It's also worth ensuring you have up-to-date photographs, valuations and records for high-value possessions, which could prove invaluable should you ever need to make a claim.

Check your locks and security

Ensure all doors, windows and outbuildings are locked and that any alarms, CCTV systems or smart security devices are fully operational before you travel.

If you're leaving a vehicle at home and taking a keyless entry fob with you isn't practical, keep it well away from doors, windows and external walls. Storing keyless fobs in a signal-blocking pouch or secure location can help reduce the risk of relay theft.

And while it can be tempting to share holiday updates online, consider waiting until you're home before posting photos of your trip.

Help prevent leaks and water damage

Water damage can escalate quickly if a leak goes unnoticed for days or weeks.

Before travelling, inspect visible pipework, taps and appliances for any signs of leaks. If you're planning an extended trip, consider turning off the water supply at the mains. Smart leak detection devices can also provide additional reassurance by alerting you to potential issues while you're away.

Reduce the risk of fire

Unplug non-essential electrical devices and appliances before you leave, and make sure smoke alarms are tested and working correctly.

Take a few moments to check that hobs, ovens and other heat-producing appliances are switched off and avoid leaving devices charging unattended.

Prepare the outside of your property

British summer weather can be unpredictable, with heavy downpours and storms arriving with little warning.

Clearing gutters, drains and downpipes before you leave can help reduce the risk of water ingress and overflow. It's also sensible to secure garden furniture, check fences and remove any loose items that could be damaged by strong winds.

Review your insurance before you travel

Before setting off, it's worth checking that your home insurance remains up to date and accurately reflects your circumstances, possessions and security arrangements.

Many insurers have specific requirements if a property is left unoccupied for an extended period, so understanding your cover before you travel can help avoid any surprises.

Protect yourself while you're away

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection should plans change unexpectedly or if something goes wrong during your trip.

Before travelling, make copies of important documents, keep emergency contact details accessible and ensure valuable belongings are stored securely throughout your journey.

As a Zurich Private Clients customer, travel insurance may form part of your policy, helping to provide reassurance from the moment you leave home until you return.

Enjoy your holiday with confidence

A few simple checks before you travel can help protect your home from theft, fire, water damage and weather-related issues. By taking sensible precautions and ensuring your insurance arrangements are up to date, you can enjoy your holiday knowing you've done what you can to safeguard the things that matter most.