Before we officially sign out of insurance mode for another year, we wanted to share some important reminders with all of our clients, contacts and Homeowners out there in an attempt to help you avoid any claim related issues over the festive period.
According to Calder Security and home insurer Direct Line, unsurprisingly more insurance claims are made during December than any other month of the year!
So, with that said, here are a few quick and easy hints and tips that could end up saving you a tonne of money in the long run;
1. We know it’s traditional to store all your presents under the tree, but try to ensure none of your Christmas gifts or expensive belongings can be seen through your windows.
2. Refrain from bragging about expensive gifts on social media and be mindful about what you share in the way of photo/video content.
3. Be careful when ‘checking in’ or tagging yourself out and about during the festive period as you’re pretty much announcing to burglars that your home is empty!
4. If you have a house alarm, set it! Even if you’re just popping out for 5 minutes.
5. When it comes to your outside decorations, try to avoid feeding cables through open windows or doors as this could potentially invalidate your home insurance or create easy access to burglars.
6. Be careful when disposing of packaging in your outside bins, especially if they advertise expensive products. Shred packaging where you can, disguise it in bags or better yet, take it straight to the tip.
7. Leave your lights on if you’re leaving the house as this could act as a deterrent.
8. After you’ve completed your festive shopping spree, ensure all items are stored in the boot of your vehicle, out of sight, and that it remains locked and alarmed when unoccupied.
9. Fire proof your home by never leaving candles unattended, keeping real Christmas trees away from fireplaces and heat vents to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, not hanging decorations near open flames and turning off any fairy lights when leaving the house.
10. Finally, if you have over night guests staying with you over the Christmas period, it might be worth asking your home insurer if your policy covers the cost of visitors’ personal belongings. If it doesn’t, let them know as soon as possible to give them enough chance to get something sorted to ensure their belongings are fully covered before they come to stay.
We hope these gentle reminders have been helpful and from all of us here at BQI Insurance, we wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season.
Credit to UIA Mutual and Calder Security.