A Facebook status update is always on the vacation agenda for Tyra McGeehan.

"I usually check in wherever I am out of town, and you know, tell everybody I'm on vacation or I'm having a great time, and usually post pictures, inspirational messages, stuff like that," McGeehan said.

The problem is, posting to sites like Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter can probably be used against her.

The Insurance Information Institute is warning people that if someone breaks into their home while they're "so publicly" out of town, some insurance companies will check social media and choose to refuse residents' claims.

"I've never really thought about it, to be completely honest," said Lauren Bumgarner, who posts to Facebook about her vacations.

It seems innocent enough, sharing exciting details as they happen. And it's instant from anywhere, whether it's a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

But Channel 4 safety expert Ken Jefferson said that type of information shouldn't be shared with the world.

"If you're divulging that information, which means you want anybody and everybody to know that, then I think it's fair for insurance companies to be able to monitor that and make their decisions on your claims based on the information you put out there," Jefferson said.

He believes an update on social media is basically an invite for crooks, regardless of online privacy settings.

Even so, some people feel they shouldn't be held responsible by insurance companies.

"I don't think that's fair. I think our homes should be protected regardless, even if we do post that we're out and about," Facebook user Shondalyn Alston said. "I mean, that's like texting a friend, and a friend might tell a friend, 'Oh yeah, she's at Panera,' and they might tell the right person and they come rob me. I don't think I should be held accountable for it."

Ultimately, it's up to users to decide whether it's worth the liability.