Hints for Home Security During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season is fast approaching, now is a good time to start thinking about your home security, one of the best and cheapest insurances you can have.  If you are planning on taking a holiday there are a few things you can do to prevent burglary over the holiday period.

• Cancel the newspaper, milk and any other regular deliveries.
• Always make these arrangements in person or by letter. Don’t leave notes for burglars to read.
• Leave a key with trusted neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your home.
• If you keep jewellery or other valuable items at home, leave them with your bank for safekeeping.
• Put a timer on any lights or lamps so it looks like someone is home.
• Lock away garden tools, ladders and anything else that could help a burglar break in.
• Arrange to have your letterbox cleared daily and for someone to mow your front lawn. An overflowing letterbox and long grass are sure signs that you are away.
• Leave your blinds and curtains partly open to give the house a lived-in appearance.
• Clearly list and identify your valuable possessions. Many stolen items are recovered by the Police but cannot be positively identified by their owners.
• Make a list of all your valuables recording their make, model and serial number. Clearly mark your television set, stereo equipment and other valuables so that you can identify them easily. Remember that thieves tend to avoid marked items that are traceable.

House and contents insurance will help you in your time of need, but your own safety measures will help prevent the need ever arising and reduce how often you make insurance claims. The more a homeowner is viewed as “low risk,” the more affordable the homeowner’s house and contents insurance premiums will be.

If you haven’t had an annual review of your house and contents insurance, then you could be paying more than you need to or may not be fully covered. Don’t risk it - get a free review of your current insurance with a Mike Pero Insurance Advisor.

Mike Pero wishes you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year!