Protect Your Home This Summer: Combine Home Insurance With Common Sense Anti-burglary Tips

There’s nothing like waking up on a summer’s morning and opening the windows for a spot of fresh air. But did you know, if a burglar slips in through that open window, you may not be covered by home insurance?

According to National Statistics Office figures, one in four households in the UK doesn’t have contents insurance. No insurance means that if your possessions are stolen or damaged, either during a burglary or otherwise, you’ll have to meet the cost of replacement from your own pocket.

Summer Anti-Burglary Tips

If you’re planning to enjoy the summer at home this year, take a few precautionary steps to help protect your home and possessions.

Close outside doors and windows: Even if you leave a room for a few minutes, make sure the windows and doors to the outside are closed and preferably locked.

Turn on your alarm: Heading to the supermarket for picnic supplies? Make sure you punch the code into the keypad. Insurance companies may not pay out if you ‘forgot’ to turn your alarm on. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, even if you’re only popping out for ten minutes.

Lock up any garden items: Summer is a great time for DIY, gardening and barbecues, but thieves can – and do – steal garden equipment that’s left lying around. So leave pricier items like lawnmowers, outdoor dining sets, bicycles etc locked away in a shed or garage.

Also, don’t leave anything lying around that a burglar could use to gain access to your property – like tools to break open a door or window, or a ladder to gain access to an upstairs window. Home insurance claims have been denied because burglars used an unsecured ladder to get in.

Anti-Burglary Tips While You’re Abroad

If you’re planning a holiday away from home, follow these easy tips to help ensure your home is just as you left it upon your return.

Don’t hide spare keys outside: Burglars know all the tricks and all the hiding places – so leave that spare key with a neighbor or friend rather than under that flowerpot.

Don’t stay away too long… or if you do, try and get someone to sleep over for part of the time you’re away. A lot of home insurance policies require that a property is not left empty for lengthy spells (typically 30 days). So if you’re lucky enough to be away for that long, try and get someone to stay in your home for at least one night during any 30 day period in order to keep your home insurance valid. Read your policy small print to find out the exact vacancy period limit.

Clear the mail: A pile of bills, shopping catalogues and junk mail poking out of your letterbox is a sure sign you’re not at home. Ask the neighbours to keep an eye out for this while you’re away, and collect any excess mail – burglars will be on the lookout for any obvious clues to an empty home. Likewise, if you have milk delivered, don’t forget to cancel it for the time you’re away.

Put your dog on a diet: If a dog flap is large enough for a burglar to fit through, your home insurance policy might be voided in the event of a claim. Make sure you secure any such entry points before heading off on your hols.

Double check everything’s locked: You may be racing to the airport or rushing for the train, but make sure you check all windows and doors are locked and the burglar alarm, if you have one, is set before you go.