Max Huggins MiWay Head of Claims
You’ve packed the dogs off to the kennels, asked the neighbours to get your post and told your security company you’re going to be away. You’re ready for your holiday – but is your home?
Not checking your security systems and ensuring your home is properly secured while away could leave you with a nasty surprise when you return, not to mention the possibility of your cover not being valid and your claim not being paid
Start by familiarising yourself with your household insurance policy.
Check:
• Which items are covered under your policy and to what value.
• Where these items are covered i.e. your laptop may be covered in your home but not at your holiday home.
• The extent of your insurance cover i.e. fire, theft, acts of nature, negligence etc. Any relevant conditions or clauses
Next, know what’s expected of you as the homeowner to fulfil your obligations in terms of your policy. This will help prevent potential claims from being rejected..
Ensure that security measures at home are fully functional and in the case of an alarm system that the system is in a working order, that your armed response subscriptions are paid up and that the system is armed when you leave.
Failure to do so might be seen as negligence by some insurers.. The result? Your end-of-year bonus might just be going towards replacing your goods yourself besides the inconvenience this will cause. Don’t forget, this goes for the upkeep of your home as well in the case of homeowners insurance.
Follow our simple ‘top 10’ checklist to ensure the safety and security of your home this holiday.
Check:
• Your house alarm is in a working order and armed when you leave
• All gates, burglar proofing and electric fences are in a working order
• Lock away valuables in your safe
• Close all windows
• Ensure all doors are locked
• Unplug electrical devices not in use
• Make sure outside furniture is safely stored
• Let your neighbours know you are travelling
• Get someone to housesit if possible or at least come and clear your post
• Empty your fridge of perishables
Your home is now holiday-ready!
And remember, update your policy to include new the items bought during the year!
Happy holidays!