12 tips to protect your valuables this summer

According to the 2026 Travel Weekly Insight Report¹, in association with Deloitte, 56% of UK adults plan an overseas holiday in 2026. 

As travel increases, so does the risk of theft and loss. Staying vigilant this summer and taking a few simple precautions can help protect you, your property and your valuables throughout your trip.

Before you set off this summer, a few practical steps can help protect your jewellery and other valuable items. From packing items securely to checking your insurance cover and keeping appraisals up to date, this preparation may make a big difference during your trip and give you greater peace of mind while you are away.

Avoid leaving baggage unattended and store luxury items in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags.

Use padded pouches, soft cloths and nondescript boxes to protect items from damage and reduce the risk of theft. Fabric pearl folders and watch rolls help keep jewellery and watches safe and secure.

Check your policy before you travel to make sure it protects against damage, loss or theft and that the level of cover is sufficient for your personal belongings. Chubb offers worldwide cover as standard for your home contents and valuable articles.   

Chubb offers bespoke coverage for valuable articles such as Jewellery and Fine Art. Please speak to your broker or click here for more information.  

With the right insurance in place, you can enjoy your travels whilst knowing your most valuable items are protected wherever your journey takes you.

Regular appraisals help ensure your insurance reflects the current value of your collection.

Chubb Risk Consultants complete appraisal visits to help document your items and ensure accurate coverage. With over 2,000 appraisals conducted each year in the UK and Ireland, our team help clients calculate the correct sums insured while also providing risk mitigation advice. Read more about our appraisal service here.

Sometimes the safest option is to leave valuables behind. If you do, store them in a secure home safe bolted to the floor or wall. 

Holiday periods can leave homes unoccupied for longer, increasing the risk of theft. Make sure your property is protected with robust alarm systems and secure doors.

Taking replicas of jewellery or investing in “travel jewellery” for your holiday is highly recommended. This may help avoid becoming a target for theft and protects against loss or damage of the more sentimental items.

Find out more tips for safeguarding your jewellery.

Some risks are harder to prevent, but there are still practical measures you can take to reduce your exposure. Whether you are staying in a second home or at a luxury resort, the following precautions advise on best ways to keep valuables secure and help protect your property while you are on holiday.

If you are staying in your second home, ensure that you have a high-security safe bolted to the floor or wall. You might also want to explore the possibility of securing valuables in a bank security deposit box.  

If you are staying at a luxury resort, check the secure storage options, such as the hotel’s main vault, not just relying on the room’s safe

Social media can reveal your location and showcase your luxury items. Avoid posting real-time updates, as this can make you a target for theft or advertises that your home is unoccupied for the season.

Discover more tips for travel safety abroad.

Stay aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious vehicles or activity to the police. Where possible, vary your routine, such as changing the times you leave or return.

• Important: Theft risk can increase during peak holiday periods, such as national holidays including 14th/15th July in South of France, 15th August in Spain and general summer holidays across the northern hemisphere. 

Use burglar alarms and consider installing monitored alarm systems and visible CCTV, both day and night. If homes in your area share similar layouts, consider additional security measures such as reinforced doors, window locks or further alarm systems.

If possible, arrange for an alarm monitoring company to be on hand 24/7 during your travel dates. Read more about how to enhance your home security.

Secure windows, doors and other easy entry points and use visible security measures such as motion-activated lights to deter forced entry. As an additional deterrent, park vehicles in the driveway even when unoccupied. Keep vehicle keys*, wallets and jewellery out of sight and in less accessible places, particularly overnight, to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.

*If vehicles left at home have remote keyless entry, then you should consider placing keys left at home in a faraday box or pouch away from windows in close proximity to parked vehicles, or take the keys with them on holiday.

Use recommended taxi providers where possible and arrange pick-ups at nearby locations rather than your exact address.

For home services such as cleaners or gardeners, use reputable providers and ask staff to be discreet about your schedule and travel plans. If your property is in a well-known area, consult local authorities or familiarise yourself with any local security concerns through trusted sources.

For further information on protecting your valuables, keeping your home safe during the holiday season and ensuring you have the right cover in place contact our team today.