Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is urging Canadians to consider how social media activity during summer travel could affect their home insurance exposure, particularly in relation to theft claims.
A recent Léger survey, commissioned by Allstate, found that 32% of Canadian respondents are active on social media post about their vacation plans either before or during their trip. Among those aged 18 to 34, that number climbs to 51%. These posts may unintentionally signal that a home is unoccupied, which can increase the risk of break-ins and related insurance claims.
Allstate’s own claims data shows that property theft rises slightly during the summer months, peaking in August. The insurer reports that July through November represent the most active period for theft-related claims, with Fridays and Thursdays identified as the most common days for incidents.
“Sharing vacation details online in real time can create vulnerabilities,” said Odel Laing, agency manager at Allstate Canada. “This could affect not only your home’s physical security but also the outcome of a theft-related claim, depending on the circumstances and the insurer’s policy terms.”
While most standard home insurance policies cover theft, coverage may depend on whether reasonable precautions were taken to secure the property. Some insurers may consider the public sharing of extended absences as a relevant factor when evaluating a claim.
Allstate advises policyholders to contact their insurance representative before a trip to review the terms of their home insurance policy and confirm whether specific conditions apply when the home is unoccupied for an extended period. This could include requirements such as having someone check on the property regularly or keeping the home’s appearance maintained to avoid signalling absence.
As part of a broader public awareness campaign, Allstate is encouraging homeowners to avoid posting vacation details until after returning. The insurer also recommends reviewing privacy settings on social media platforms, avoiding geotagged posts, and discussing safe posting habits with all household members.
“Preventative measures—both digital and physical—can reduce risk and help ensure insurance coverage is not compromised,” said Laing. “Planning ahead and understanding your policy are key steps to protecting your property while away.”
