Think before you share

Last updated on 20th May, 2025 at 05:53 pm

Oversharing on social media could be putting your home at risk. Here are five ways to protect yourself and your insurance policies.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The risks of posting travel plans on social media.
• How sharing on social media could affect insurance paying out.
• How to protect your home while you travel.

Whether you’re travelling for work, leisure, or a weekend getaway, your unoccupied home can become an easy target for criminals, especially when travel plans are shared publicly on social media.

This is according to Siyakha Masiye, spokesperson at MiWay, who warns that posting travel updates online in real time can significantly increase the risk of break-ins and theft. “While it may seem harmless, sharing your holiday location, boarding passes, or check-ins at airports and resorts gives valuable information to potential criminals who monitor social platforms for opportunities,” says Masiye.

“Any location-based posts, real-time stories, or even well-meaning countdown updates essentially signal that your home is unoccupied, making it more vulnerable to crime.”

How this affects insurance payouts

The risks don’t end there. In some cases, homeowners who fail to take adequate precautions may find their insurance claims challenged or even rejected. “If a burglary occurs while you are away and it is discovered that you publicly shared your travel plans, your insurer may view this as negligence,” Masiye explains. “Additionally, failing to activate security measures – such as alarm systems – may result in a denied claim.”

Practical tips to safeguard your home

1. 1. Change privacy settings: Review your social media privacy settings to control who can view your posts. Restrict access to trusted friends and avoid accepting friend requests from unknown users.
   2. Delay posting travel updates: While it’s tempting to share holiday experiences as they happen, consider waiting until you return before posting photos or location tags. Broadcasting your absence in real time makes your home more vulnerable.
   3. Disable location tracking: Many social platforms and apps automatically share your location. Turn off location services for social media apps to avoid unintentionally revealing your whereabouts.
   4. Ensure home security measures are active: Before leaving, test your alarm system, lock all entry points, and notify your security company of your travel plans so they can respond quickly if needed.
   5. Arrange for a house sitter or neighbour to check in: Ask a trusted person to stop by periodically, collect nay packages, and turn on lights in the evening. This creates the impression that someone is home.
   6. Be mindful of family members’ posts: Remind children or teens not to share travel details online. Even a simple post like “Off to the coast tomorrow!” can alert criminals to an empty house.

“Taking these precautions can not only reduce your risk but also strengthen your insurance position should a claim arise,” says Masiye. “At MiWay, we encourage homeowners to stay vigilant during any high-travel period. A few small changes in behaviour can go a long way in protecting your home and peace of mind.”