18 December 2024
Steps to take if you’re going away this Christmas
3 minutes
Christmas can be a great time of the year to get away but, amidst the excitement, it’s easy to forget about the things you need in place to keep your home safe whilst you’re away. Here are some things to think about.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is there to help you in an emergency situation and to ensure you are not out of pocket if something goes wrong. You should buy travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip and we recommend you take some time to familiarise yourself with your travel insurance policy cover, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. Private Client Travel Insurance Quotes & Cover | Howden Insurance
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Don’t over shareAs the Christmas countdown begins and your holiday approaches, be careful what you post on social media. Don’t advertise the fact that you’ll be away from home and, if you do post, make sure your posts are visible only to your friends. Home SecurityDuring the festive period, burglars can be on the lookout for vacant homes. Before you go away:
For more advice on how you can protect your property, and how having the right security in place can influence your home insurance premiums, visit our library: Simple steps to protect your home |
Vehicle Security
If you’re planning to leave your car at home, then it isn’t just home security you need to consider. Car thefts in some regions of the UK are increasing and, although your car insurance will normally cover you if your car has been stolen, prevention is better than cure. Things to consider include:
- Where you park your car whilst you’re away.
- CCTV and alarms.
- Tracking devices.
- Hiding your keys to prevent a keyless car theft.
- Steering wheel locks.
For more information on vehicle security, read our article: Car insurance and vehicle security
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A big freezeWhilst you’re away the UK temperatures may plummet, and freezing temperatures can cause frozen pipes. When a pipe freezes it can split or crack, and then when the ice thaws, a leak occurs. Water leaks can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, so here are some steps you can take to manage this risk:
To help stem the flow of escape of water situations and potential claims, we’ve put together some frequently asked questions and answers. |
Wet weather and storms
Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. Here are some steps you can take to protect your property from storm damage:
- Regularly look over your property – visual checks of the outside of your home will make you aware of any cracks.
- Inspect loft space for any gaps in the roof.
- Keep your gutters and drains clear. A blockage in these can prevent water from draining correctly and cause a backlog around your home.
- Keep an eye on any nearby trees. Where you can, clear dead branches to avoid them falling and causing damage.
For more advice, you can visit our library: Managing winter risks
Extended holidays
Finally, if your home is unattended for more than 30 days, you may need to tell your insurer, as many policies will include an unoccupancy condition. This is often 30 days, but check with your insurer.
Next steps
If you want any advice regarding security upgrades to your property or plan on leaving a property unoccupied for a prolonged period of time, we can introduce you to security companies and property management companies. It’s just one of the many benefits of using a broker. For more benefits, read our article: Why you need a broker for your home insurance.