4 tips for protecting your home this summer

12 Aug

With the summer being a popular time for holidaying, from mini-breaks and weeks away to longer-term travelling, it’s no surprise that it can also be a peak time for burglaries. The last thing you want is to be worrying about your home while you’re trying to enjoy your holiday. We’re sharing our 4 top tips for keeping your home safe while you’re not there. Knowing that you have done all you can to protect your home will help you switch off and enjoy your well-deserved break.

1. Create the impression that you’re still home

Even though you’re not at home, your house should look occupied to keep burglars at bay. It’s definitely worth asking friends, family or a neighbour to keep an eye out whilst you’re away. Perhaps they could leave a car on your drive, open and close curtains at appropriate times and pick up your post. If you’re going away for a long period, consider asking them to mow your lawn and trim your plants. You could also install interior and exterior light timers to turn on at specific times of day.

2. Don’t advertise that you’re away

Although it’s tempting to want to let your social media followers know that you are on holiday and post your scenic snaps to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you might want to think twice before you do. This is a sure-fire way of publicising the fact that your home is empty, and you never know who is viewing your posts. Instead, wait until you come home to share your memories online and enjoy your holiday knowing that you’ve taken a simple precaution to protect your home.

3. Secure your home inside and out

It might sound obvious, but before you head off, make sure you lock all of your doors and windows, including the garage and shed if you have them. Remember to take any hidden spare keys inside and move ladders (and any other items) that a burglar could use to get to the second story. Inside your home, lock your valuables away and turn off and unplug electronics to reduce the risk of fire. Lastly, remember to set your alarms if you have them!

4. Make sure you have the correct cover

The most important thing to make sure of is that your house is adequately protected with appropriate home and contents insurance. That way, your home and belongings will be protected in the unfortunate event of a burglary.

Note: It’s worth bearing in mind that most home insurance policies carry a 30 day unoccupancy limit. If you intend on spending longer than that away from your home at any one time, you need to notify your insurer. A responsible person popping into your home does not make it ‘occupied’ and most policies will refer to the home being lived in, which usually requires a property to be furnished with a person residing in it at least one night per week.

In many instances, it’s likely that your cover will be reduced or possibly even invalidated by lengthy unoccupancy. Certain duties may come into force regarding visitation or inspection. During the winter months, it’s common for an insurer to insist that the heating system be maintained at a constant temperature or the entire heating system be completely drained to avoid pipes cracking.

Speak to one of our personal insurance broking team today on 02920 858620 or at barrie.mccarthy@thomas-carroll.co.uk and we will find the right insurance solution for you. You can also get a home insurance quote online.

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