Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. And also the riskiest. In fact, in the world of insurance, Christmas should probably be called ‘riskmas’ (Kevin from Home Alone knows exactly what we’re talking about). Because, while you’re celebrating, partying and holidaying, your guard may be down. And that’s when your risk goes up.
So here are 6 ways to protect your home this Christmas (whether you’re home alone or not…)
#1 Christmas past, Christmas future and Christmas presents
Underinsurance is more common at Christmas because standard home and contents insurance policies often cap the value of contents and valuables. Which can mean that expensive Christmas gifts are uninsured. But high-value home and contents policies have higher ‘sums insured’ so you can be confident that your home and contents are properly protected.
However, expensive gifts left in a car are unlikely to be covered by your contents insurance, so keep boxes hidden, or, leave expensive items with a shopping concierge while you finish shopping. So your Christmas presents don’t become things of the past.
#2 Click & Collect
If you haven’t seen the Christmas comedy Click & Collect, you’re in for a treat, especially if you’ve got young kids asking for the latest impossible-to-get Christmas gift. But, on a serious note, shopping online (especially if it’s not somewhere you usually shop), leaves you more exposed to cybercrime. So, we’d always recommend selecting the guest checkout option, or, if you do create an account, choose 3 random words for your password. They’re harder to hack and easier to remember.
#3 Avoid a ‘Christmas Calamity’
Do you remember the Sainsbury’s Christmas ad from 2015 called Mog’s Christmas Calamity? It’s the one where Mog the cat inadvertently sets the Thomas family home on fire.
Obviously, all ends well in the ad and Christmas day is, of course, saved. But that’s not always the case. In fact, according to the Gas Safe Register, more fires in households with gas appliances take place on Christmas day than any other day of the year. So, if you have a gas fire, or a gas hob, it might be worth putting a ‘gas safety check’ on your to-do list in the run up to Christmas.
#4 Stealing Christmas
Whilst your house may not be home to a bank heist (like the film Stealing Christmas) if you have a prized watch collection and envy-inducing jewellery, there are plenty of people who would like to steal your Christmas.
Christmas comedies aside, banks are onto something when it comes to safes, and a personal home safe is probably the best place to store your valuables. The question is, if you already have one, do you actually use it? And when did you last change the code?
Even if you only use your safe as often as you use your huge dining table and extended chair collection (i.e. at Christmas), putting valuable jewellery or expensive gifts in your safe, really is the safest place for them. And if you’re really worried about security, you could take a tip from the best heist movies and consider a decoy safe.
#5 Planning A Christmas proposal?
If you’re getting engaged this Christmas (congratulations!), it’s worth checking with your insurer that the value of the ring is covered by your existing insurance policies. And if you’re planning a proposal abroad, make sure your policy includes global cover for jewellery and personal belongings without short term limits.
#6 The Holiday
Unless you’re Cameron Diaz and you’re doing a home swap while you go on holiday, an empty house is an obvious target for thieves. Especially if there is any ‘box’ evidence left out for recycling. So it’s always worth waiting until you’re home to share your holiday photos. The good news is that unlike standard policies, high-value home and contents cover doesn’t penalise you for not setting alarms or locking doors. So, if you have made a mistake during all the Christmas craziness, you’ll still be covered.
Want reassurance that you’re covered this Christmas (and insurance that pays even if you forget to set your alarm?)
Get a quote or call us on 0118 916 5480
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