As summer hits BC, people are getting ready to head out on highly anticipated vacations. Everyone is packing up their 4Runners, RVs and trailers and road-tripping to Tofino, Whistler, campgrounds and cabins.

It's great for our spirits. Not so great for the empty homes we leave behind. Fortunately, you can keep your home secure with these 14 smart and simple tips:

Tip 1: Light it up with smart technology

Light up your space like you're hosting friends for a weekend catch-up. Get timers for your lights (you can also plug your lights into smart outlets), so you can control when your lights come on and how long you keep them lit. Pro tip: install smart home blinds that you can schedule to go up and down remotely.

Tip 2: Lock it down

Proper home security is always a good idea. Before you leave, lock all your home’s entry doors, windows (basement, too), sheds, gates and garage doors. If you’ve got a sliding door, place a piece of wood in the sliding window tracks for extra security. We also recommend driveway spotlights (with motion detectors) to light up your driveway when someone approaches your home.

Tip 3: Make it look lived in

An empty driveway means a vacant home. Do you have a nearby friend or favourite neighbour? Ask them to water your garden, collect your mail, mow your lawn and park their car in your spot while you’re hiking the North Coast Trail. They can also notify you if they see any suspicious activity.

Tip 4: Actually, make it lived in

Thieves don't want to break into a home if they think you’re going to stumble out and catch them. So, invite a trusted friend, house sitter or family member to stay in your place (or walk through it daily) while you’re houseboating on the Shuswap. Bonus points if they’ll take better care of your plants than you do. If your trusted contacts are away on vacation too, your home insurance may require you to take a few added safety measures while you’re away. Check out BCAA Home Insurance’s conditions here.

Tip 5: Curb your bin-thusiasm

On garbage day, you don’t want to be the only home on the block that doesn’t have bins on the curb. Ask a trusted neighbour to roll your containers out on garbage day so they blend right in.

Tip 6: Leave keys with a friend

Don’t tempt fate by hiding a key outside your place — everybody knows that trick. Instead, leave your keys with a friend or neighbour you trust.

Tip 7: Delay deliveries

That stack of packages outside your door? A sure sign you’re away on an Okanagan wine country tour or a northern BC fishing trip. Change your mail to digital delivery, cancel courier shipments, hold your food box or meal kit subscription and get Canada Post to pause your mail while you’re away.

Tip 8: Protect your belongings

Sure, you love your TV, but not enough to bring it camping so it won’t get stolen. Whether you own your home or rent, ensure your belongings are protected with insurance. Check out BCAA Home Insurance to find the right coverage for both your property and what’s inside.

Tip 9: Alert the alarm people

If you have a home alarm system, call your home security company and let them know you’re heading out of town. Give them an emergency contact name and number they can call if the alarm goes off. Pro Tip: If you haven’t already, let a BCAA Home Insurance advisor know you have a monitored security alarm. You may be eligible for extra savings on home insurance!

Tip 10: Get a smart doorbell you can answer from anywhere

One of the ways thieves test if you’re home: they ring your doorbell. If you don’t answer after a few rings, it confirms their suspicion that you are away. Let thieves (and couriers) know you’re home but “can’t come to the door” by installing a two-way video doorbell. Video doorbells from Nest, Ring, Logitech and this TELUS unit let you see who’s on your doorstep from wherever you are.

Tip 11: Photograph and stash your valuables

Consider getting a safety deposit box for valuables you don’t want to take camping. We also recommend you update your inventory of personal belongings. Make a list and take photos of things you hold dear to your heart so you’ve got a good record of all your stuff in case of a break in or damage. Use our Personal Property Calculator to add up the value of your possessions and ensure your personal property coverage limit is sufficient.

Tip 12: Clean up before you clear out

To make sure your home is nice, clean and in one piece when you get back from Salt Spring Island, clean your home and empty your fridge and garbage cans. Empty your dishwasher and put the laundry away – don’t start a fresh load right before you leave! To be extra cautious, turn off your water supply and unplug appliances like air fryers, hair dryers and coffee machines. And don’t forget to tidy outside. Store your BBQ and garden tools and other machines out of view. Stack or secure things like patio furniture that could blow away and cause damage in case of strong winds.

Tip 13: Don’t broadcast your travel plans

Travel is exciting, so you’ll want to share your vacation plans with everyone you know. That said: if everyone knows you’re away, they also know your home is empty. So, keep your trip to yourself and avoid posting travel photos and highlights until after you get back.

Tip 14: Protect your pad for travel relaxation and peace of mind

You take comfort knowing you’re covered for the unexpected during your trip with travel insurance. But to enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind, choose a home insurance provider you can count on. Take comfort in choosing BCAA Home Insurance, as we’ve paid out over 95% of claims relating to fire, water, weather and theft*. Get a quote online today and save! Members save 10% and you can save an additional 5% when you buy online. 

And there you have it: 14 smart ways to and give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your vacation.