Christmas time brings with it a trend to decorate homes externally as well as internally but this means that policyholders need to check whether their content insurance includes cover for outdoor lights etc. More Th>n home insurance covers outdoor lighting and offers a 10% increase in cover’.
This Christmas consumers will be making the most of discounts offered by some of the leading stores and as such many people are expected to increase valuables despite the ongoing credit crunch. Insurance providers More Th>n and Norwich Union have warned over the high number of break-ins likely to be witnessed during the Christmas period.
The insurers insist that consumers need to check their home insurance contents policies especially given the presents being stored and received. Norwich Union, however, branded New Year’s Eve as the worst night for domestic house break-ins.
Why contents cover is vital
According to a recent study by Axa , many people did not have adequate cover for the contents in their homes. The insurer found that the average home’s contents are insured for less than the value people place on their home contents. Axa says that this presents a problem before the value of Christmas presents etc are taken into account.
Getting the correct level of cover for home contents insurance is vital because consumers who fail to do so are likely to encounter a deficit when they need to claim to replace their contents. Insurers are also warning that not having the right cover could potentially invalidate a consumer’s policy.
Insurance companies are urging consumers to ensure they do not have presents displayed especially if it can easily lure burglars. Presents visibly stored in a house could leave burglars easily able to identify what gifts are available.
Households should also throw out packages while making sure that they are not easy to identify and where necessary packaging should be taken to a recycling centre. Thieves tend to ‘fish’ for car keys and homeowners are warned to keep them away from the front door. It also helps if the doors and windows are locked at all times.
However, it is also helpful to leave some lights on and perhaps some music or TV to create the assumption that someone is in the house. At the same time, it is important to look out for any unfamiliar or suspicious characters hanging around.
Increased fire incidents claims
Norwich union says that many fire incidents occur during the Christmas period and that the chances of a house catching fire have gone up with at least 140 per cent increase in the number of fire claims on Christmas Day.
Insurers now warn that families need to be more careful when dealing with potential fire hazards such as Christmas tree lights and burning candles. Having the right policy can help take away the financial stress following a fire incident.
It is also important that households take measures to avoid fire incidents, however, reducing the impact is also key. This may mean that homeowners ensure that smoke alarms are in good working order and it is important to close doors when going to bed.
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