How to Protect Unoccupied Homes during long trips to the away end

2026 is the year of travellers taking fewer but longer trips, according to a recent trend report.  

If you’re one of the many football fans planning a World Cup adventure this year, you certainly won’t be alone. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11^th June to 19^th July across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match set for Mexico City and the final due to take place in New Jersey.  

Depending on England’s performance in the initial Group Stage, plenty of UK homeowners could find themselves away for several weeks, and some plans may go into “extra time” with side trips before or after the football. 

Why is a home insurer talking about the World Cup? 

Because longer trips can mean higher risks back home.  

As our Chief Customer Officer, David Joyson, puts it: “Leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period can increase the likelihood of common property risks and could lead to a future claim being rejected by your insurance provider if you’re not clued up on your policy terms.”  

Properties that look empty are often more attractive to opportunistic burglars, and small issues like slow leaks can escalate quickly if nobody’s there to spot them.  

For many fans, the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, meaning that many UK homes might be left empty for weeks. A few simple, proactive steps can dramatically reduce risk whilst reducing the risk of a future claim being declined.  

Think of this as your pre-departure checklist: practical, expert-backed ways to keep your property safe so you can focus on the football. 

Planning your trip 

It all starts with your itinerary. With fixtures spread across three countries for this World Cup, a two-week trip could easily become a four- to six-week trip, once you factor in travel days, sightseeing, and your team’s performance in the competition – you could get knocked out in the Group Stages or go all the way and win!  

Making your home look occupied 

Burglars look for the easy win, such as a property that clearly where it’s obvious no one’s home. A few low-effort changes can make your place look occupied while you’re away:  

• Use smart bulbs or simple plug-in timers to vary lighting patterns and consider a radio or TV simulator so it doesn’t look like a rigid “on at 6pm, off at 10pm” routine. 
• Set up Royal Mail Keepsafe so letters and leaflets don’t stack up on the doorstep and pause regular parcel deliveries.  
• Ask a neighbour to move bins or park on your drive occasionally.  
• If the garden will give the game away, arrange a quick mow and tidy mid-trip. 

Reinforce entry points 

A good lock is your first line of defence. Before you travel, check that doors and windows completely close and latch securely. If anything sticks, wobbles or fails to lock, fix it before you go. Where possible, opt for British Standard-rated locks (for example, BS3621 on timber doors or quality multi-point locks on uPVC) and fit window locks where appropriate.  

Don’t forget about your outbuildings. Sheds and garages are often targeted for tools and bikes, so use robust, CEN-rated padlocks and anchor high-value items inside. Keep spare keys out of sight and well away from letterboxes and avoid leaving them in “safe places” (e.g. under a plant pot) outdoors. If a trusted keyholder needs access, a quality key safe would be a more secure solution. 

Privacy concerns 

Visible security measures can be an effective deterrent: 

• Video doorbells and CCTV are becoming more common. If you are using CCTV, position cameras thoughtfully and respect neighbours’ privacy. 
• Test your burglar alarm before you go. You may need to replace the batteries or maybe consider having your security system serviced if it has been a while.  
• If you have smart sensors, make sure the notifications are going to someone who can act promptly, not someone who is over 3,000 miles away.  
• When it comes to social media, post your stadium photos after the event. Live posting with geotags lets everyone know that your property is empty. 

For more information, visit our Guide to Leaving Your House Empty. 

Reduce escape of water risks  

Drips from a failed washer or a slow leak from a pipe can turn into a major escape of water incident if left unchecked. Turning off the internal stopcock (usually found under your sink) before a long trip is a simple, effective step. For longer absences, consider draining down your water system or installing smart tech such as leak detectors or shut-off valves for added peace of mind. 

Reduce electrical risks 

• Switch off and unplug non-essential appliances to reduce the chance of faults while you’re away.  
• If fridges and freezers must stay on, ensure there’s good ventilation and consider surge protection.  
• Avoid overloading sockets and retire any tired extension leads. 

For more information, check out Electrical Safety First guidance. 

Property inspection 

If you’re likely to be away for more than 30 days, make arrangements for your property before you book any flights. Start off by nominating a trusted keyholder (this could be a relative, friend, or neighbour) who can visit your property periodically and take swift action if a problem arises. Before you go, walk them through the essentials such as where to find the water shut-off points, where to find the fuse board, and how to operate the burglar alarm (if you have one). 

Ask your keyholder to perform simple checks around the home, such as: 

• Checking for damp patches under sinks and near appliances. 
• Listening for running water. 
• Looking for signs of forced entry or damage after bad weather. 
• Making sure there are no obvious signs from outside the property that it is unoccupied.  

A simple visit log including date, time, what was checked, plus a couple of photos if anything looks off, is a handy way to keep tabs from afar, as well as giving you a record in case you need to make a claim.  

If something does go wrong, early detection can be the difference between a minor fix and a major incident. 

Protecting your valuables and your data 

• Any jewellery or portable tech you’re not taking with you should be secured in a safe – ideally one that’s fixed to the building.  
• Before you leave, photograph each room and high-value items, and store those images (and any receipts or valuations) securely. 
• Keep financial documents and other personal data out of obvious drawers and off display.  
• It’s also worth reviewing who has access to any smart home accounts and ensuring two-factor authentication is switched on. 

If you might be away for 30+ days 

Many home insurance policies include limits on how long a property can be left unoccupied without needing to inform your insurer and take extra steps. As David Joyson notes: “Most crucially, many home insurance policies include limits on how long a property can be left unoccupied – this is often 30 days.” If your World Cup travel plans could tip you over that threshold, check your policy documents well in advance and if needed, explore specialist cover for longer periods away.  

As the final whistle blows, whether it’s coming home or not, you should be coming back to a safe, secure property. Put these simple steps in place now and enjoy every minute of the football.