Create the charade that the house is being lived in – set the lights on an automatic dimmer switch, or leave the radio playing. Some people go as far as setting the dining table or drawing the curtains. Certainly place precious items such as watches, jewellery, antiques and personal details into a safe or a secure attic.  Tell your neighbours where you are going and when you get back. Leave an emergency contact number with them. If they have your keys, ask them nicely to clear your post and stop it piling up against the front door – a clear indication of a vacant property.  If you have a milkman, why not order a bottle of milk to be delivered a day before you return? And, of course, make sure your contents cover is up-to-date and suitable for your needs.  Once the house is secured, why not turn to your suitcase? Few holidaymakers are guilty of under packing, except perhaps when it comes to travel insurance.  So, as you struggle to cram your belongings into a holdall – new designer wardrobe, handbag, laptop, camera and jewellery – it may be time to consider taking out a premier travel insurance policy.  With volcanoes puffing out troublesome plumes and the increasing cost of healthcare abroad, you want to be covered for all eventualities.  All the more reason, then, to ensure you’re properly covered before leaving for the airport. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve left it to the last minute – just click and buy insurance online.  Thus armed, a delayed flight, mislaid bag or chipped tooth (curse those quaint cobbled streets) will seem a little bit less of an irritant. And you can enjoy that relaxing siesta in the sun, safe in the knowledge that you’re protected – both at home and abroad.  Forgetting to pack their toothbrush is far from the most worrying omission for many UK travellers. According to Home office statistics (2010/11), 745,000 homes in England and Wales are robbed while their owners are away.  There’s also the cost of the possessions in your suitcase to consider - there’s nothing so frustrating as realising your policy doesn’t cover that mislaid camera. It pays to have a solid policy.  Select home insurance covers your possessions anywhere in the world, plus you can choose to add annual travel cover.  For more information about insurance from Direct Line Select, or for a quote, call 0800 206 2819, or visit www.directline.com/select
Going on holiday? Make sure you’re protected both at home and away with home    insurance and travel cover, says Elizabeth Walters.