- Always close and lock windows in unoccupied rooms. During the summer think about using a fan or air conditioning in a ground floor room rather than exposing yourself to theft.
- Never leave spare keys hidden outside the house. If a burglar uses them, your policy may be void. Also, any dog flap should be too small for anyone to gain access – if it’s not, this may also void a claim.
- Correctly describe the locks when filling in your home insurance application form. Inform your insurer whenever locks are upgraded.
- Activate your alarm whenever you leave your home, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- You must report all thefts to the police as soon as possible and get a crime number.
- Check what is insured for use in the garden. Extend your policy to include valuables likely to be outside during hot weather this will include your barbeques and lawn mowers. Secure valuables in a garage, secure shed or your house when you’re not around
- Secure your tools within a garage, secure shed or your home so that they can’t be used to break into your house.
- Tell your insurer when builders will be on-site. This may incur a temporary increase in your premium to cover any accidental damage but you will be covered for any accidental damage they may cause.
- Any claim made during a period when the house is left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days may be voided so arrange for someone to stay one night within any 30-day period to reset the count.
- Even though your premiums may increase slightly, declare to your insurer from the outset that you are using your home as a base for your business
