Burglary Cover While on Holiday

Why home security matters for travellers

When you head abroad, your primary concern might be your suitcases, but your largest assets remain at home. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), burglary claims often rise during peak holiday seasons when properties are left unattended. It is a common misconception that travel insurance covers your house; in reality, travel insurance only covers the items you take with you. Your home insurance policy is the only product that protects your building and the contents left behind from theft or forced entry while you are on holiday.

• Empty houses are statistically at higher risk of targeted burglary.
• Standard home insurance has strict rules about how long a house can be empty.
• Social media posts can inadvertently alert burglars to your absence.
• Unattended mail and closed curtains are common signs of an empty property.
• Checking your policy before you fly is essential for peace of mind.

What is covered by your insurance

Burglary holiday cover usually falls into two categories: your home insurance for the house and your travel insurance for your luggage. Your home insurance will cover the cost of replacing stolen items and repairing damage caused by a break-in, such as smashed windows or broken locks. Meanwhile, your travel insurance provides 'Personal Possessions' cover, which protects the gadgets, clothes, and jewellery you have taken with you to your destination. It is important to note that travel insurance usually has a 'single item limit', often between £200 and £500, which may be lower than the value of your high-end electronics.

• Forced entry damage to doors, windows, and frames.
• Theft of furniture, electronics, and valuables left inside the home.
• Personal baggage stolen from your hotel room or person while abroad.
• Replacement of essential items if your bags are stolen during transit.
• Cash theft limits, which are typically very low on both policy types.

Common exclusions and 'unoccupancy' rules

The most significant pitfall for UK travellers is the 'unoccupancy' clause found in almost every home insurance policy. Most standard insurers will only cover your home for burglary if it is left empty for less than 30 or 60 days. If you are planning a long-term trip or a gap year, you must notify your insurer or take out specialist 'unoccupied home insurance'. Furthermore, if a burglary occurs and the insurer finds you failed to activate your burglar alarm or left a window on the latch, they may legally reject your claim based on a lack of 'reasonable care'.

Typical costs and pricing factors

The cost of burglary holiday cover is built into your annual home and travel premiums rather than being a standalone fee. For a typical one-week trip in 2026, a standard travel insurance policy might cost between £15 and £45 per person, depending on the destination and baggage limits. Your home insurance premium is influenced by your postcode's crime rate and your home security measures. Adding 'Personal Possessions' cover to a home policy, which protects items like rings or laptops outside the home, usually adds £20 to £50 to your annual bill but can prevent the need for high-limit travel insurance.

Choosing the right level of protection

When selecting insurance, you must match the 'sum insured' to the actual replacement value of your belongings. If you are taking expensive photography equipment or designer watches on holiday, a standard travel policy may not be sufficient. You should check if your home insurance offers 'worldwide' cover for valuables, as this often provides better protection and higher limits than a travel policy. For those travelling to high-risk areas, the Foreign, Commonwealth-Development Office (FCDO) provides safety advice that insurers expect you to follow to remain covered.

• Review the single item limit on your travel insurance policy.
• Check if your home insurance covers 'all risks' outside the house.
• Ensure your home policy defines 'burglary' as requiring 'forcible and violent entry'.
• Confirm the maximum number of days your home can stay empty.
• Declare high-value items separately to ensure they are fully listed.

How to claim and evidence required

To make a successful claim for burglary while on holiday, you must provide a police report. If your home is burgled while you are away, you should contact the UK police as soon as you discover the crime and obtain a crime reference number. If you are burgled while abroad, you must report the theft to the local police within 24 hours. Insurers will also require proof of ownership for stolen items, such as receipts, bank statements, or photographs of you wearing the items.

Regulatory context and FCDO advice

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that UK insurers treat customers fairly and clearly explain policy exclusions. If an insurer denies a burglary claim unfairly, travellers can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Additionally, the FCDO provides updated security briefings for every country. If you travel to a destination against FCDO advice, your travel insurance burglary cover will likely be void, leaving you with no protection for your belongings while abroad.

Practical home security checklist

Before leaving for your holiday, taking simple steps can reduce the risk of burglary and ensure you meet your insurer's 'reasonable care' requirements. Ensure all windows are locked with keys and that the keys are hidden away from the windows. If you have a burglar alarm, it must be fully operational and switched on. Avoid announcing your holiday dates on public social media profiles, as some insurers have previously used this as a reason to question a claim's validity regarding 'reasonable care' for property security.