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Going on holiday this summer? We have put together our top tips to help you make sure your home is protected.
Now is the time of year that most people are preparing to jet off on their summer holidays; Holiday insurance is always high up on your checklist of things to do in preparation. However, we often assume our home insurance will be unaffected. Do you know what you need to do and the steps you need to take to ensure your policy remains intact and your home is protected?
We have listed our top tips to help protect and keep your home secure while you are away, leaving your only concern being which flavour of ice cream to have...
Lock all doors and windows to secure your home, and activate your burglar alarm or security system if you have one. If you don't, consider installing one. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have security systems. Secure all external buildings garages, summer houses etc.
Before you leave check your coverage, make sure your home insurance policy is up to date and covers the types of damages that could occur while you're away, such as water damage from a burst pipe or theft. Make sure you understand your policy's limitations and exclusions.
If your home looks unoccupied, it's more likely to attract thieves so try to keep up the appearance. Ask a neighbour or hire a service to pick up mail, packages, and newspapers, mow the lawn, and put out and take in your trash cans. Using timers on indoor and outdoor lights can help create the illusion that someone is home.
If you're going to be away during a cold snap, you might want to shut off your water and drain your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting causing water damage. Consider having a trusted friend or neighbour check on your home periodically to catch any potential problems early.
Unplug unnecessary electronics and appliances to protect them from power surges and to save energy. This includes computers, TVs, and other large appliances that aren't necessary while you're away.
Some home providers recommend or require you to notify them if you're going to be away from home for an extended period so be sure to notify your insurance company. Check your policy or contact your agent to see if this is necessary.
In case of theft or disaster, it's good to have an up-to-date home inventory. This includes photos or videos of each room and a list of valuable items with their purchase dates and prices. Store this inventory somewhere —like a fireproof box or online, or in a home safe —and bring a copy with you.
If you don't already have them, install smoke detectors in your home and test them before you leave. Some modern systems can even send an alert to your phone if they detect smoke.
Don't advertise your empty home on social media. You never know who might see a post about your vacation and decide to take advantage.
If you're on good terms with your neighbours, they can be an excellent resource for keeping an eye on your property while you're away.
Check your documentation as your policy may state that long extensive holidays where your home is left empty for more than 30 consecutive days can lead to repudiation.
Remember, the key to protecting your home while on vacation is planning ahead and taking precautions to make your home less attractive to thieves and more resistant to unforeseen incidents.
The Office for National Statistics shows that 42% of burglaries in England & Wales occurred when the occupants were not in their household. M&S Bank revealed that, on average, holidaymakers leave their homes unoccupied for ten days during the summer.
If, despite taking these precautions, you have fallen victim to a recent home burglary and need to make an insurance claim, as the UK'S leading Loss assessor, we are here to help. We'll manage it for you, dealing with your insurer directly. Overseeing all meetings, investigations, and quantifications while keeping you fully informed, ensuring you get your full entitlement.
In the event of a claim, remember the name - call us on 0333 2101 999.
If you have been declined whilst trying to claim on your domestic or commercial insurance, we can help. We can also help with professional services, for example, Brokers, VAR Valuations and Managing Agents.
