Next time you’re on holidays drinking a cocktail by the pool and the urge to post on social sweeps over you, think again. It could cost you thousands.
We’ve all been there. You’re relaxing on a beach, mimosa in hand, feeling pretty pleased with yourself that you aren’t back in the office. You obviously reach for your phone to post a quick selfie so you can rub it in to your friends back home.
But you might want to think twice about that social gloating post.
Experts have warned that tourists who post holiday snaps online could be left thousands out of pocket – because of the fine print on their home insurance.
This is because if your home is broken into while on holiday, the fact that you showed your property was empty could invalidate your insurance, The Sun reports.
A survey in 2019 found that one in 12 people in the UK have been burgled after bragging on social media, after tagging their location as away from home.
UK finance expert Holly Bennett from NerdWallet, said caution was needed with social media.
“At the risk of sounding like a killjoy, you could be creating easy pickings for potential thieves while your home is unoccupied,” she told WalesOnline.
“If you make a claim after a break-in that happened while you were away, and the insurer checks your profile, these social media posts may not help your cause.”
Other experts have also chimed in about the risk it causes.
Ruby Gonzalez, communications director of NordVPN, previously told Cosmopolitan: “Although it’s fun to post vacation photos and let everyone know you’re having a cocktail on a sunny beach, that sends a clear signal to burglars that your home is empty.”
Travel insurer ABTA currently warns: “Be mindful of what you write or photos you share on social media which could identify you as being away on holiday.”
If you want to share pictures, you are best to do it after you’ve returned from your travels.
Or if you are desperate to share the images during the trip, make sure your accounts are private, or only set to friends and family only.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
