Holidaymakers need to safeguard their property while they are away this Easter period to avoid the emotional and financial stress associated with returning to a burgled home.
This is according to Michelle van Staden, Head: Claims at Mutual & Federal, who adds that homeowners should utilise a checklist of security and insurance measures that they can complete before going on holiday.
“The impact of a burglary on a family can be both emotionally and financially devastating. For this reason, we urge homeowners to take precautions before embarking on their holidays this Easter,” Van Staden says.
In addition to precautions such as ensuring alarms are in working order, homeowners should purchase a timer switch to ensure lights are switched on for intermittent periods while you are away. Should you fall victim to a burglary, Van Staden says you should not enter your property until police or security have ensured the area is safe.
“Be sure to collect information like names and telephone numbers of witnesses, neighbourhood watch members, investigating officers and other parties who become involved with the incident. Clients of Mutual & Federal can use the Mutual & Federal app to create an incident report,” Van Staden says.
Van Staden concludes: “Take all the necessary precautions before you go on holiday with your home security and your insurance policy to ensure you have peace of mind while you relax this Easter.”
Security and Insurance Checklist
How to prevent housebreaking:
- Ensure that your alarm is tested and in working order
- Purchase a timer switch to ensure that lights are switched on for intermittent periods while you are away
- Do not leave spare keys in obvious places
- Request a trusted neighbour to remove accumulated fliers and post which will serve as obvious signs that you are not at home.
What to do in the event of an incident:
- Call your security company and do not enter your property until you have received verification from the police or your security company that it is safe to do so
- Don’t begin packing or cleaning before the police or your security company arrives at the scene
- Be sure to collect information like names and telephone numbers of witnesses, neighbourhood watch members, investigating officers and other parties who were involved in the incident. Clients of Mutual & Federal can use the M&F app to create an incident report.
- Be sure to report the incident to the nearest police station where the incident occurred and submit the report as part of your insurance claim.
How to ensure that your setbacks are turned into comebacks:
- Ensure that your insurance premiums are up to date
- Make sure that your goods are adequately insured so that your insurer does not reduce your claim as a result of you being underinsured
- When submitting a claim, ensure that you report your losses accurately.
