Stay socially savvy this summer: Home insurer warns holidaymakers to reconsider what they share online to avoid thefts

• Worryingly, the research uncovered the number of social media users who are completely unaware of what their security settings are – one in seven (14%) Instagram and TikTok users don’t know these settings, alongside one in five (19%) X (previously Twitter) users. 
• Research from Admiral Home Insurance reveals more than half of people (54%) share photos on Facebook while on holiday, despite almost a quarter (23%) of Facebook users setting their profiles as publicly visible to anybody 
• One in three (33%) social media users mention upcoming holidays online – yet four in ten (38%) don’t check privacy settings before going away 
• Younger generations are more at risk, with under 45s five times more likely to share their upcoming holidays online, compared to those over 65 
• Items stolen from homes while people have been on holiday include bikes, watches and designer handbags and burglaries that saw windows and walls damaged and even homes trashed
• Former Crime Scene Investigator and criminologist, Alex Iszatt, reveals her top tips for staying ‘savvy on socials’ while on holiday

As Brits prepare for summer trips, Admiral Home Insurance is urging holidaymakers to think before they post online, or risk exposing empty homes to potential burglars - which in the worst-case scenario, could lead to a refusal of any home insurance claim made.

To understand more about social media holiday habits, Admiral conducted research to uncover typical social media behaviour. It found that Facebook is the most popular platform for people to share posts (54%), with Instagram the second most popular choice at 25%. 

Alarmingly, the research revealed that despite one in three (33%) social media users mentioning upcoming holidays online, almost four in ten (38%) haven’t checked their security settings. 

Delving into the most popular social platforms used, almost a quarter (23%) of Facebook users have their profiles publicly visible – meaning it can be viewed by anyone on the internet, alongside one in six (17%) Instagram users. In fact, one in five (21%) Facebook users admitted to having complete strangers in their online circle of ‘friends’. 

Worryingly, the research uncovered the number of social media users who are completely unaware of what their security settings are – one in seven (14%) Instagram and TikTok users don’t know these settings, alongside one in five (19%) X (previously Twitter) users. 

Admiral also found that the younger generation is much more likely to update their online accounts with their upcoming travels, with those under 45 almost five times as likely to share compared to those over 65 (64% vs 13%). 

Claims data from Admiral revealed some of the typical items stolen from homes while people have been on holiday, including jewellery, bikes, cash, watches and designer handbags. However, in some cases burglars have caused extensive damage to the property – destroying windows, walls and furniture and in one instance a home was completely trashed.

Ahead of the holiday season, Admiral Home Insurance is reminding Brits of the risk of sharing live locations when away, potentially advertising homes as empty to a burglar. 

Noel Summerfield, Head of Household at Admiral, said: 

“It’s natural to be excited about your holiday and we all love to share our experiences with our friends and families while we’re away. However, by posting photos on Facebook or Instagram while you’re still on holiday, you could be unwittingly letting criminals know that your home is empty.

“Although sharing a photo on social media wouldn’t result in the rejection of a claim, most home insurance policies require the policyholder to take care to prevent accidents, loss or damage as part of their ‘general conditions’. So, if no precautions were taken to limit who can see your posts, and your name and address were also accessible then you could be in breach of the ‘general conditions’ clause. This means, if you were burgled while away it could affect any claim you tried to make.

“Some people might think they’re adding a layer of security by asking their neighbours to keep an eye on their home on social media, but you never know who might have access to this information – especially if you’ve mentioned your property name or number. Returning from your travels to find you’ve been burgled would be traumatic, and you could risk not being covered by your insurance if you’ve been careless with what you’ve shared online.

“Burglars are tech-savvy and social media provides them with a window into your life, for example sharing your recent purchases or the layout of your home and when you're conveniently away on holiday. Something as innocent as taking a holiday selfie could let a burglar know your home is empty if you’re not careful with your social media posts.”

Admiral spoke to former Crime Scene Investigator and criminologist, Alex Iszatt, for some expert tips to keep your property safe while you’re away. She added: “If your friends can see where you have checked in, so can a burglar. Criminals can get a good idea about where you live and use (Google) Street View to find the best way into your property.

“Turn off location-sharing features, update your privacy settings and stop broadcasting to people who aren’t in your immediate group of friends. 

“Try not to post from your holiday destination as it is a clear advertisement that your house is unoccupied. 

“If you really can't stop posting your photos - then add them to an album and share that only with your close friends and relatives.

“If you are unfortunate enough to come home to a house that is burgled - don't touch any smooth surfaces that a criminal may have touched - there could be fingerprints. Take a look around for anything out of place that isn't yours - this could be evidence for the crime scene team.”

Admiral's top tips for safely posting on social when on holiday:  

1. Ensure your social media settings are set to private and anyone who doesn’t follow you can’t have access to your data. Visit the Help pages on FacebookX and Instagram for advice on how to change your privacy settings.
2. Look at your property on Google Street View, if you were looking to break in - could you? If you see a possibility, so can a criminal.
3. Don’t widely share photos which show you’re away from home and turn off location-sharing features.
4. Try not to post from your holiday destination or use any ‘check-in’ functions – it is a clear advertisement that your house is unoccupied, and you won’t be returning soon.
5. If you really want to share your holiday photos with your family and close friends only, add them to a private and closed group.