Keeping your home safe this summer…

Authored by Aviva

With the summer holidays upon us, and millions of Brits heading out the door to soak up some sun, sea and sand, insurance expert Jonathan Cracknell, underwriting manager at Aviva has pulled together the ultimate check list to help keep your property safe while you’re away from home and ensure that your trip is one to remember for all the right reasons!  

1. DO turn your mains water off, especially if you’re heading on a long trip.

Turning off your water supply might be the last thing you’re thinking about while preparing for your summer holiday, but nobody wants the trip of a lifetime ruined by coming home to a water-related disaster, such as a completely flooded house.

Aviva internal data shows almost ten thousand escape of water claims were made between the months of July and September over the last four years, but turning off your water ahead of a holiday can help prevent significant water damage to both your home and personal belongings if a pipe bursts or leaks while you’re away. It can also help minimise mould growth if a pipe does burst, as well as prevent significant water bills building up from gushing water or even undetected leaks in your home.

In homes where a fire sprinkler system is installed, such as in new Welsh homes, the water should be left on.

2. DON’T forget to unplug electronics

Plugged-in electronics can present a fire hazard due to faulty wiring or power surges, even when they are on standby or switched off. Unplugging non-essential electronics such as chargers, televisions, lamps, and kitchen appliances like toasters, can help protect your property from the risk of a fire. It can also help save on energy and your utility bills too!

3. DO secure your house properly

Claims data from Aviva shows that break-ins steadily rise across the summer months, with peaks around the summer holidays, so ensuring your property is secure can help to protect your home and belongings from incidents of vandalism or theft.

Avoid hiding spare keys under doormats, in flowerpots, or in other obvious locations that an intruder could find. If someone can easily enter a property through an unlocked door or using a key left under a plant pot, there’s a chance that a claim may be declined.

4. DON’T leave your valuables out in plain sight

Leaving valuables in plain sight can lure opportunistic thieves into your property, and in the unfortunate event of a break-in, valuables that are out in the open are more likely to be stolen. Hide your valuables somewhere that isn’t easily accessible to help reduce this risk or consider investing in a safe to protect your items from light fingers.

5. DO lock all outbuildings and safely store away garden furniture

According to Aviva research, over a quarter (27%) of Brits have experienced an actual or attempted burglary of their sheds or outbuildings, while less than two fifths (38%) of people always make sure that their sheds and (or) outbuildings are locked before going to sleep or leaving home for a trip.  If a thief can’t get into your house, they might try breaking into your shed or taking something from your garden instead.

Always make sure your outhouses are secure before you head off on holiday and replace any locks that can easily be tampered with. It’s also a good idea to safely store or cover valuable bulky items in your garden, such as garden furniture or barbeques, to keep them out of sight of prying eyes. Some insurance policies, such as Aviva Direct Home, will cover you for damage and loss to outdoor furniture up to £12,000, so it is worth checking your insurance policy ahead of time.

6. DON’T leave your home empty for several weeks or months without checking with your insurer.

Most insurance policies specify the number of days a property can be left empty, e.g., up to four weeks. While most standard one-to-two-week summer holidays don’t need to be declared, if you plan on leaving your property empty for a significant period of time, you should let your insurance provider know. Check your insurance policy terms and conditions for details of specific time periods.

7. DO tell a trusted neighbour or friend about your holiday plans

It’s a good idea to let someone know about your holiday plans, so they can keep an eye on your property while you’re away and contact you if anything is amiss. If you’re away for a few weeks, it might be worth asking someone you trust to check in on your property for you.  

8. DON’T post about your holiday on social media

As tempting as it is to share all your holiday snaps while you’re away, it can make you a target for burglary – especially if your property is left completely unoccupied. Consider saving your content to share when you are home, or alternatively, change your social settings to only share holiday photos with close family and friends that you trust.

9. DO use timers for lights

Leaving your house in the dark for long periods of time is a clear indicator that nobody is home and can make you an unwitting target for burglary or vandalism. Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights to give the impression that somebody is in the property or invest in a smart system that allows you to view your property remotely, as well as turn lights on and off. Motion sensor lights can also be a valuable tool in deterring potential intruders or vandals.

10. DON’T forget your home insurance…and make sure that you understand it!

According to recent Aviva research, a third of Brits (33%) don’t have any home contents insurance cover, and just over one in nine (12%) are unsure if they have any insurance cover or not. However, while you can’t alleviate all risks, having suitable insurance for your needs means that you’re covered if something does go wrong while you’re away.

Buildings insurance will cover the integrity of your property, while contents insurance can help protect your personal belongings and valuable items. It can be a bit tricky to calculate an accurate value for everything in your home, especially considering all the domestic appliances, furniture, furnishings, personal belongings, and precious valuables. Thankfully Aviva’s convenient contents insurance calculator can help you estimate how much cover you need.

If you’re happy with your cover, ensure you’ve read through your policy documentation, so you know what is and isn’t covered if you need to make a claim.

While the list may seem long, preparing your home and checking your insurance before you head off on holiday will help give you extra peace of mind while you’re away, so you can relax and enjoy your holidays worry-free!