Top tips for keeping your main home secure this winter & the clauses you need to be aware of
It’s official, winter is here and the festive season is upon us. Only one thing for it; pack your bags, grab your passport and head to the sun.
But before you go, make sure you follow these top tips to make sure your home and valuables are safe whilst you’re away – and should the worst happen, they’ll make sure your insurance pays out.
Checking it twice…
Clauses – no, not Mr and Mrs, the important wording in your policy that defines what you and your insurer should expect of each other, especially when the worst has happened. Clauses aren’t always clearly listed on your policy schedule, so check your policy wording and always read the small print!
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Lock all windows and doors. Sounds pretty standard? You’d be surprised what lengths, and heights, people will go to break into homes. Your insurer may exclude theft claims if any locks aren’t in effect.
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Ask a family member, friend or neighbour to check in on your home, removing any build-up of post and looking out for leaks or signs of break in.
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Turn off and drain your water supply and keep your heating to a minimum of 10 degrees between October and April.
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Keep valuables out of sight, if you’ve taken any away with you then make sure your policy gives you cover away from the home.
Did you know?
One burst pipe can leak 48 bathtubs of water a day! Escape of water claims cost the insurance industry £2.5m a day
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Keep gates and fences well maintained. Damage to fences caused by adverse weather conditions is often excluded from home insurance policies.
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Make sure your boiler is serviced annually and external pipes are insulated to prevent freezing.
If you’re unsure about what your home insurance policy covers, speak to Alliance recommended insurance experts, Sutton Winson, before you set sail or jet off for the holidays.
Our thanks to Chris Baumann of Sutton Winson for this article. For further information please contact chris.baumann@swib.co.uk or call 020 8891 8551.