MARKHAM, Ontario, Feb. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the start of spring break fast approaching, many people are planning a travel getaway. Some are eager to share their excitement by posting to social media the details of their vacation either before or during the trip. However, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada (“Allstate”) would like to remind Canadians that sharing details online about a vacation also announces when your home will be unoccupied, which could put it at risk of a burglary.
Today, Allstate is launching its ‘Hold That Travel Selfie!’ public awareness campaign to inform Canadians about the risks of oversharing their travel plans and experiences with friends and family through social media networks.
In a new survey commissioned by the insurance company, almost one in three Canadian respondents (31%) who are active on social media post content about their vacation plans online, before or during their trip. The proportion who post before or during a trip is higher among Canadians 18-34 years of age (46%), households with children (36%) and those who plan on going away on vacation for spring break (45%).
The Government of Canada has stated that spring break is a popular time for Canadians to travel. Allstate's survey showed that among Canadians that are active on social media 30% are planning a vacation for spring break, with the number rising to 44% for households with children and 46% for those aged 18-34. Additionally, the survey showed that 70% of them cared more about protecting their homes from a break-in than sharing their travel details on social media. However, among these respondents who also say they post on social media before or during a trip, 46% would prioritize sharing on social media over keeping their home safe.
“We get it, a vacation is exciting and it’s tempting to share that excitement on social media. Unfortunately, depending on the security settings of your social media accounts, posting details about your vacation also announces in a public forum that your home is empty and, in some cases, for how long. This can increase the risk of a break-in while you’re away,” says Gene Myles, Agency Manager at Allstate Canada. “We’re asking Canadians to think twice before posting a picture of their plane ticket, or that quintessential beach selfie, until after they return home. That post may be just as impactful with your network after your travels and it can help keep your property safe.”
Online Safety Advice for Canadian Travelers
Allstate’s Myles offers the following pieces of advice for Canadian travelers.
- Hold off on posting that selfie until you return from vacation. This includes sharing details on social media platforms before and during your trip.
- Check the privacy and security settings of your social media accounts, and review who has access to your personal information. Even if you have set rigid privacy settings for your social media accounts, it's still possible for others to view what you post through the accounts of friends and followers.
- Review pictures previously posted on your profiles and remove any information someone might use to find your home address, such as house or apartment numbers and street names that can sometimes be found in the background of photos. And avoid posting photos with geotagging as it can reveal your location in real time.
- Discuss the risk of a break-in and your home insurance policy with your insurance professional to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.
For more travel-related online safety advice, go to the GOOD HANDS® blog at https://blog.allstate.ca/safe-social-media-travel.
About the Léger survey
Léger was commissioned by Allstate to conduct a survey among Canadians to find out their travel plans for spring break. In order to meet research objectives, a web survey was conducted January 6-9, 2023, among a sample of 1,536 Canadians of which 1,190 are active on social media, aged 18 and over. To ensure a representative sample of the population, the results were weighted according to the gender, age, mother tongue, province, education and the presence of children in the household.
About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is a leading home and auto insurer focused on providing its customers prevention and protection products and services for every stage of life. Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate strives to reassure both customers and employees with its "You’re in Good Hands®" promise. Allstate is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates through partnerships with charitable organizations, employee giving and volunteerism. To learn more, visit www.allstate.ca. For safety tips and advice, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca
For more information, please contact:
Camille Gagnon
Capital-Image on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
514-518-2681
cgagnon@capital-image.com
Travon Smith
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
437-229-1577
tsmith@allstate.ca
An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5500681-d37c-485e-a394-da3970ad1c86
