The Summer holidays are upon us and it’s a time when many of you will be off to visit your holiday homes or managing hectic changeovers at your holiday rental.

Although it’s likely that holiday home insurance won’t be a foremost concern during this period, it’s essential that you are aware of some areas which may leave you at risk.

Our experience at Schofields is that unfortunately during the summer months, theft and burglaries increase at holiday homes – as both home owners and holiday makers arrive with an array of expensive gadgets, jewellery and money.

Although many of us have a perception that the idyllic rural locations where our holiday homes are located are virtually crime-free, this is a mistaken perception that may cost you dear if you don’t appreciate the reality.

In reality, some factors often make holiday homes particularly attractive to burglars and criminals:

  • many second homes are located in relatively rural and isolated areas outside of villages and towns, especially those overseas – this isolation makes them attractive to thieves;
  • some holiday properties may be equipped to a relatively high standard and contain expensive electrical equipment and furnishings;
  • due to renters coming-and-going, it may be difficult for local people to identify when strangers are authorised to be around the property and when they’re not;
  • by definition, a second home is going to be unoccupied more regularly than a main residence.

Don’t assume your holiday homes insurance covers theft

It’s essential that you read the small print and exclusions of any insurance policy you are going to purchase, but many people don’t. Consequently holiday home owners may not be covered for something they ‘assume’ they are.

To avoid being uninsured, here are some areas that you should check with regards to your insurance, theft and security;

  • Shutters and bars – Some overseas property insurance policies insist that holiday homes have shutters or security bars fitted to windows and if it does, that they are used when the property is empty. Does yours?
  • Theft by non-forced entry – do you or your guests leave windows open whilst you relax by the pool, or pop out to the local shop? Then you may be uninsured following a burglary, as many insurance policies do not cover theft by non-forced entry. If there are no signs of a break-in, such as a broken window, then the insurer is likely to decline the claim.
  • Theft by guests – although most property owners and agencies take steps to vet guests before they arrive, if a fraudster does decide to empty your holiday home of its contents you will want your insurance to cover it. Check your policy covers theft by persons lawfully in the home.
  • Outbuildings – these are often used to store a variety of equipment; does your policy specify that outbuildings must be secured with specific locks?
  • Keys – also check your insurance covers theft of keys following a break in as it is likely you will need to replace locks.
  • Security discounts – if your insurer is giving you a discount for utilising specific security precautions, such as locks or an alarm, ensure you are fulfilling your obligations.

Some people are a little bit laid-back when it comes to thinking about their holiday homes and security. Protecting yourself with appropriate security measures is only common sense.

In the unfortunate event that you do have to claim, you need to ensure that you are covered for theft (by checking the terms before buying a policy) and that you have fulfilled your obligations under the policy (e.g. those in relation to shutters).

Taking these steps and checking the points above will hopefully avoid your claim being declined.

Are there too many restrictions and exclusions in your policy?
There are no security requirements on a Schofields policy and we cover theft or attempted theft by non-forcible entry. Get a quote

Similar Posts:

  • Share/Bookmark