Whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended getaway, AAA Western and Central New York offers travelers peace of mind with tips to keep your home safe while you’re away.

If you plan to travel this winter, go with AAA's travel advisors to plan your getaway. With an insider look at travel, our experienced advisor network will provide personalized vacation planning services and offer you the insights you need to make the most of your trip. Get started here.

But back at home, the last thing you want to worry about is a home break-in. 

Tips to protect your home while you’re away:

• Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Research suggests that if burglars think it will take more than four or five minutes to break into a home, they will move on. Check outside doors and frames to ensure they are strong and made of metal or thick hardwood. Use dead-bolts on windows and doors, which can slow burglars down or deter them entirely.
• Invest in an effective burglar alarm that, when triggered, alerts the police, fire department and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent about possible alarm system discounts.
• Disconnect computers and other electronic devices from the internet to prevent hackers from gaining access to your information. Make sure personal information on your computer is difficult to access.
• Keep valuables locked up and out of sight. Expensive jewelry, electronic devices and other high-value items should be hidden from plain view and placed in lockboxes.
• Make your home look inhabited. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop newspaper deliveries, and arrange to have your mail picked up or held by the post office. An unmaintained lawn can be an indicator to burglars that you are away. Hire someone to maintain your sidewalk and/or your driveway for security and safety.
• Ask a dependable neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
• Avoid discussing your vacation plans in public places such as at the grocery store or at your local café. Although vacations are exciting, try not to post about them on social media; someone may see your posts and target your home while you’re away.
• Create a home inventory. In the event that you do need to file a claim, preparing a home inventory of your possessions beforehand will make the process easier.
• Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need in case you experience theft or damage to your property.
   

To find out more about renters or homeowners insurance, reach out to one of our local insurance agents to see what discounts you may be eligible for.

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