Author: Alex Gregory
Source: ezinearticles.com

Domestic burglaries have increased since the recession began and they are expected to grow further as opportunist thieves strike while we take our summer holidays. So will home insurance cover our properties while we are away?

As a general rule home insurance will protect your property while you’re on holiday, however, much can depend on the length of your trip. Most insurers place limits on the number of days you can leave the property unoccupied for during the year – typically this is in the region of 30 days. If you’re away for a longer period you may need to call the home insurance provider ahead of time and make provisional arrangements.

What if you need to make a home insurance claim after a holiday?

Should your property be burgled or suffer damage while you’re away you should contact your insurer immediately after you return and follow its claims process. However, to prevent a claim being invalidated you should ensure your home insurance policy is up to date before you depart.

This means checking that any contents you have recently brought into the home are covered under the terms of the policy. Pay close attention to the single item limit that applies within some policies and also ensure that there are no false details provided to the insurer.

Finally make sure you carry out a thorough security check before leaving for holiday. Check all windows and doors are locked and that the alarm is switched on – after all, if your insurer is offering discounted premiums for these security measures it will expect them to be in place.

How can you protect your home while you’re away?

There are steps that can be taken to protect a property even while you’re not there. For example, ensure you cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbour or friend you trust to open and close your curtains each day; collect your mail; and take out your rubbish on the appropriate day.

Consider installing time-switch lights too – they give the impression you’re at home even when you’re not. They could help you earn cheap home insurance too as many home insurance providers will offer bonuses for any security devices you have in place.