The festive period often brings memories of family gatherings, sharing gifts and holidays. With so much to think about, home security is often not top of our minds. However, it is that mind-set that thieves can easily take advantage of.
Not only is it important to protect your home during the holidays, it is equally essential that your home insurance policy covers your contents and possessions for the right value and is up-to-date.
Here are some of the things to think about to protect your home this Christmas:
Keep your presents and valuables safe
It might sound obvious but don’t keep valuables in sight of windows where thieves could spot them. You should use a safe to keep valuables and important documents. Remembering to be security conscious by locking doors and windows is important, even if you believe you live in a safe neighbourhood. Over the Christmas period it might feel very festive to display your presents under the Christmas tree, but keep these out of sight and avoid leaving packaging for expensive outside for potential burglars to see.
Add security features
You might find that installing security, such as intruder alarms and CCTV brings down your home insurance premium. Other good options include having motion sensor outside lights and timer lights to deter thieves who don’t want to be see. Also install security recommended window and door locks.
Be mindful of social media
We often like to share our holiday plans with friends and family, or show off expensive gifts we’ve received or given. However you should remember social media is not a secure platform and what you innocently share can quite easily be seen by strangers.
Check you are sufficiently insured
People don’t realise that they are underinsured until they need to claim – and then it is too late. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) quotes that one in five homes in the UK has undervalued their contents on their insurance policy.
Some insurers will honour the difference between your valuation and the reality. Others won’t. In reality it’s not worth the risk. The issue is that it is really difficult to properly value your possessions. If you are unsure how to value your contents, you can choose unlimited home insurance cover (if your insurer offers it).
Shop around at your renewal period
Did you know that new customers are usually offered better deals on insurance cover than existing customers? This means it is a beneficial to review your level of cover and your policy provider at each renewal period to get the best cover for the best price.
It’s also at this point that you should check the policy details, add new high value possessions or remove items that you no longer have. As you don’t want to be underinsured, you equally don’t want to be over insured as this will likely increase your premium.
If in doubt speak to your broker – As with any insurance policy, your broker should be able to give you an idea of the various types of cover available, and help you to understand what level of cover you need.