Protecting Your Home From Intruders

Protecting your home from intruders starts with simple, consistent habits. Whether you are leaving for the weekend, heading away on vacation, or just settling in for the night, small security steps can help reduce the risk of a break-in and may also support your home insurance review.

Some insurance providers may offer discounts for certain protective devices, such as a monitored alarm system. Eligibility depends on the insurer and policy, so it is a good idea to ask your broker when reviewing your homeowners insurance.

Everyday Tips for Protecting Your Home From Intruders

A secure home often starts with daily routines. These steps may help make your property less attractive to intruders:

• Lock doors and windows at night, including the interior garage door
• Keep your vehicle locked, especially if it is parked outside
• Avoid leaving your garage door opener visible inside your vehicle
• Close blinds or curtains at night so valuables are not visible from outside
• Leave exterior porch or entry lights on
• Use motion-sensor lights around darker entry points
• Add a padlock or code lock to sheds and outdoor storage areas
• Keep valuables, wallets, keys, and electronics away from windows

Vehicle access can also affect home security. If someone gains access to your garage opener, address, or keys, it may increase the risk to your property. For related tips, see Rizk Insurance’s article on how to prevent vehicle theft.

How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

When you are away, the goal is to avoid making your home look empty. Before leaving for a trip, consider these steps:

• Stop newspaper, flyer, and mail delivery
• Arrange for lawn care, snow removal, or sidewalk clearing
• Use timers or smart controls for indoor and outdoor lights
• Lock all doors, windows, sheds, and garage access points
• Ask a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member to check the property
• Avoid posting travel plans publicly on social media
• Keep spare keys with a trusted person instead of hiding them outside

If you own a cottage, cabin, or secondary property, security planning may be even more important because the property may sit vacant for longer periods. Review your seasonal home insurance to understand how occupancy, inspections, and property use may affect coverage.

What Not to Do When Leaving Your Home

Some common habits can unintentionally increase the risk of a break-in. Try to avoid:

• Leaving notes on the door that say you are away
• Hiding spare keys under mats, planters, or in mailboxes
• Leaving garage doors open or unlocked
• Leaving purses, wallets, cash, keys, or jewellery visible
• Letting mail, parcels, flyers, or newspapers pile up
• Sharing vacation details with people you do not know well

These steps cannot guarantee that a break-in will not happen, but they may help reduce visible signs that your home is empty.

Home Alarms, Cameras, and Insurance Discounts

Security systems, monitored alarms, cameras, and smart locks may help deter intruders and support faster response if something happens. Some insurers may also consider approved alarm systems when calculating premiums.

Before assuming a discount applies, ask your broker:

• Does my insurer offer a discount for monitored alarms?
• Are self-monitored systems treated differently from professionally monitored systems?
• Do I need proof of installation or monitoring?
• Will cameras, smart locks, or motion sensors affect my policy?
• Are there specific security requirements for high-value homes or valuables?

For homes with higher-value assets, specialty collections, or estate-level property, it may also be helpful to review Private Client Services to understand whether more tailored coverage options may be appropriate.

Create a Home Inventory Before a Claim Happens

One of the most helpful steps you can take before a burglary is to create a home inventory. A home inventory is a record of your belongings, including photos, descriptions, serial numbers, receipts, and estimated values.

This can make the claim process easier if items are stolen or damaged. It can also help you understand whether your current contents coverage reflects what you own.

Your inventory may include:

• Electronics
• Furniture
• Tools
• Bicycles
• Appliances
• Jewellery and watches
• Art, collectibles, and antiques
• Cameras and specialty equipment
• Clothing, sports gear, and household items

For more guidance, see Rizk Insurance’s article on keeping a home inventory.

Protecting Jewellery, Art, and High-Value Items

Some belongings may have special limits under a standard home insurance policy. Jewellery, art, coin collections, fur coats, bicycles, cameras, and other high-value items may need to be scheduled separately or reviewed with your broker.

If you own valuable items, ask whether you need appraisals, receipts, photos, or separate coverage. You can also read Rizk Insurance’s article on protecting jewellery and other valuables.

What to Do After a Break-In

If your home is broken into, prioritize safety first.

Consider these general steps:

• Do not enter the home if you believe someone may still be inside
• Call the police and follow their instructions
• Avoid touching damaged areas until police have documented the scene
• Take photos of visible damage when it is safe to do so
• Make a list of missing or damaged items
• Contact your insurance broker or insurer as soon as possible
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs, if applicable

If you need to start the insurance process, Rizk Insurance provides information on how to submit an insurance claim.

Review Your Home Insurance Before You Need It

Protecting your home from intruders is not only about locks and alarms. It is also about knowing what your home insurance policy includes before something happens.

A broker can help you review:

• Contents coverage limits
• Special limits for jewellery, bicycles, art, and collectibles
• Detached structure coverage for garages, sheds, or outdoor buildings
• Whether alarm discounts may be available
• Claim steps after theft, vandalism, or property damage
• Whether your coverage still reflects your current belongings

If you have questions about your policy, you can contact Rizk Insurance to review your options.

FAQ: Protecting Your Home From Intruders

Can a home alarm reduce insurance costs?

Some insurance providers may offer discounts for approved alarm systems, especially monitored systems. Availability depends on the insurer, policy, and proof of installation or monitoring.

Does home insurance cover stolen belongings?

Home insurance may cover stolen belongings, but coverage depends on the policy wording, limits, exclusions, and the type of item. High-value items may have special limits.

Should I keep a home inventory?

Yes. A home inventory can help document ownership, estimate value, and support the claim process after theft, fire, or other covered losses.

Should I post vacation photos while I am away?

It is safer to avoid public posts that show your home is empty. Consider sharing vacation photos after you return.

Do jewellery and art need separate insurance?

They may. Many policies have limits for jewellery, art, collectibles, and specialty items. Speak with your broker to confirm whether these items should be scheduled separately.