Christmas Travellers Should be Aware of Burst Pipes

Around 35% of Britons will be away from home for a few days over the Christmas and winter holiday period. Surprisingly burst pipes pose a bigger threat for property insurance than burglary over this period.

In December 2008 and January 2009, more people claimed on their property insurance for “escape of water” than for either fire or theft.  The average claim for water damage from a burst pipe is for just over £15,000, comprising £4,200 for contents and £10,900 for buildings.

According to research carried out by AXA only 8% of homeowners give a though to the danger of a burst pipe while they are away, compared with 57% who are worried about being burgled and 24% fearful that their homes could be consumed by fire.

The advice to reduce your property insurance claims is is to leave heating on a minimum of 12°C when away; check the insulation on water pipes and the cold water tank; insulate the loft; leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate pipes inside cupboards.

Clocks going back leads to increase in risk of theft.

It’s that time of year when we put the clock back an hour to GMT.   With dusk drawing in an hour earlier, homes and gardens need that extra bit of attention to remain secure to avoid property insurance claims.

This triggers an increase in burglaries so it is worth locking valuable items away wherever possible and investing in extra security, such as lights and alarms, to deter burglars. Timer switches for indoor lights are also a good idea to help reduce property insurance claims, as long as people remember to activate them when going out.

Five lever mortise deadlocks are must for doors, along with good quality locks for windows. Finally, criminals posing as bogus callers are not foiled by any of the above and checking photo ID can be a waste of time with a sophisticated operator.

Use these ideas to help reduce your property insurance claims

Bike thieves get hot-fingers in September

September 2009

Britain’s cycling boom has prompted a rise in bicycle thefts, with an estimated 540,000 bikes stolen last year, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year.

The figures, released by the British Crime Survey, also show that bike thieves are the most hot-fingered in September, with 29% more bikes stolen than during an average month. Research has also revealed that around 22% of student cyclists have had at least one bike stolen.

Simple measures like leaving your bike in a well-lit area and using a good quality lock can deter a would-be thief and reduce your general insurance claims.

ABI issues holiday burglary reminder

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is urging Britons to take extra care protecting unoccupied homes during the holiday season to reduce property insurance claims. While reported cases of burglary have fallen 57% since 1997, there are signs of an increase during the current economic downturn.

According to the ABI, burglary claims topped £100 million in the first three months of 2009, making it the most expensive quarter for property insurance for five years.

The Association has therefore joined forces with the Home Office to produce Insurance Advice on Home Security, which sets out basic security measures to cut property insurance such as fitting appropriate locks, property marking and security lighting.