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HOLIDAY HINTS - KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE THIS SUMMER

More and more "out of office" messages are now on as it is that time of year where holidays and time away are at their peak.

Whether you are making the most of the UK sunshine or you are looking to holiday abroad, here is a reminder for advisers and their clients on some holiday hints and tips.

As exciting as it is to be taking a break, it is important that we still make sure that our homes and belongings are as secure as they can be.

Going on holiday

  • Don’t advertise you are away!

This is a big one. Social media posts of your holiday can give thieves all the information they need to know that you are away from home. Either wait until you are home to post those photos, change your settings to private or only send to friends and family. 

  • Adopt the ‘buddy’ system

Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house, pick up any post or packages, put the bins out and in and even water the plants outside. You can then reciprocate when it is their time to go on holiday.

  •  Light timers and smart lighting you can operate from an app

Even though it is summer, invest in inexpensive timers which you can use with your indoor lights to come on for part of the hours of darkness. Cheap, simple and effective. Smart lighting both inside and outside (a more expensive addition but an extra layer of security), can also act as effective deterrents.

  • Turn off your hot water/heating

Unless it is a winter holiday and you need to keep the house and your pipework from freezing up, turn off/turn down your hot water and central heating. Saves money and reduces the likelihood of any water leaks or worse, while you are away.


Staycationers

Whether you are staying at home and just planning day trips or making the most of the sunny weather at weekends, here are a few more tips to keep your property safe.

  • Windows and doors

Tempting though it maybe to open all of your windows and doors to keep the house cool with the weather as it has been, it is also an open invitation to potential thieves, particularly at night. Better to be uncomfortable than robbed, so keep your downstairs windows closed at night. Research also shows that you can keep your house cooler during a hot day by keeping windows and curtains closed.

  • Keep it locked

Spending time in the garden means that you might not hear signs of break in. Make sure access doors are kept locked.

  • Remove temptation

Many break ins are opportunist rather than part of some grand plan. Leaving valuables in plain sight near open windows, even near cat flaps and letterboxes increase the likelihood of opportunist crime. It only takes a second to reach in and steal something from your home.

  • Burglar alarm

Not exactly original but highly effective as a deterrent, particularly against the opportunist thief. Seeing a large coloured alarm box on a property will deter the majority of would be thieves. Even a decoy alarm box has the power to deter. 

  • Neighbourhood Watch

Your neighbours are your best defence. The neighbourhood watch scheme has been a resounding success and if there isn’t one in your road, you may want to consider setting one up. Not only will you get plenty of support from the police but neighbours working for the good of the street or road in which you all live has been proven to cut the incidence of crime.

  • Check your buildings and contents policy

How long has it been since you reviewed your policy and what is covered? Also if you are going to be away for an extended period (typically more than 30 consecutive days), make sure you are still covered.

We hope this has been helpful to you, please consider before you go away and enjoy your holiday!


Consideration for advisers...

The main consideration as an adviser is to see that your clients are insured and that the cover levels are right level. You should be reviewing your clients home insurance annually to make sure they have the cover the need.

Also consider the value of a home emergency ‘add on’ so that clients have a service they can call on in the event of a break in to board up or glass replacement is called for to make the home safe.

If you need any further assistance or have any questions, please do contact us and we will be happy to help.