As summer holidays approach, a home insurance firm has sounded the alarm for vacation-goers.
The urge to share your holiday experiences with loved ones might be strong, but a simple photo-sharing blunder could expose homeowners to risks.
A specialist from Saga Insurance has highlighted that posting live updates and pictures on social media can not only increase the risk of burglaries at unoccupied properties but may also affect insurance claims.
Anna Thunstrom, a Saga property expert, has offered her insights on what holidaymakers should think twice about before jetting off.
Caught up in the thrill of holiday planning, it’s all too easy to overlook security measures, potentially leaving your abode open to thieves or voiding your insurance policy.
The police forces in England and Wales logged 249,092 burglary offences as per CrimeRate’s 2023 figures, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Saga’s research indicates that a staggering 38 per cent of Britons post their vacation snaps on social platforms while still away, reports the Mirror.
Discussing our fondness for sharing online, Anna remarked: “Sharing holiday photos while you’re away can be popular but announcing your travel plans, especially on a public account, can leave you more susceptible to burglary.”
“Posting a few images of your holiday might not be enough to invalidate an insurance claim on its own, but oversharing online could prompt your insurer to question whether you took ‘reasonable care’ of your property when it comes to security. It’s recommended to share photos retrospectively once you’re home.”
Anna delved deeper into the tricks and traps this summer, revealing five additional blunders for globetrotters to dodge.
Giving a spare key to a neighbour, friend or family memberÂ
Handing over a spare house key to a neighbour or pal is a common practice, with 49 per cent of the 560 Britons polled confessing to have trusted someone with their keys while away.
“It’s useful to give a spare house key to a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member while you’re away to keep an eye on your home. However, only do so if they are indeed trusted and wouldn’t share the key with anyone else. If someone uses your key to burgle your home, your insurance policy will likely not cover any loss if there are no signs of forced entry.”
Anna emphasises the importance of vetting those whom you entrust with your house keys, ensuring they will guard them rigorously.
Leaving a spare house key hidden outside your homeÂ
Even though less popular, some still engage in the somewhat perilous act of leaving a hidden spare key outside their abode.
Anna warns: “Hiding a spare key outside your property is ill-advised and will likely invalidate your insurance claim if a burglar used your key to enter your home. Again, most insurers won’t pay out if there are no signs of forced entry.”
Failing to inform your insurer when leaving your abode unoccupied for over 30 days could be a costly mistake for those embarking on extended holidays. Policyholders should always check their terms and conditions before jetting off.
Leaving a home unoccupied for more than 30 days without telling your insurerÂ
On this matter, Anna offers crucial guidance: “If you have a standard contents insurance policy and leave your property unoccupied for more than 30 days without telling your insurer, any claims could be denied. The risk of damage, leaks and theft increases when nobody’s home and unnoticed damage can lead to higher repair costs.”
She further advises: “If you’re planning to be away for more than 30 days, check that you’re not exceeding your ‘days unoccupied’ limit. Saga’s standard policy limit is up to 60 days, however. You also can’t get around this by having someone stay at the house for a day or two in the middle of the inoccupancy, as that doesn’t count as someone living at the property full time.”
“Let your insurer know how long you’ll be gone to ensure you’re covered should anything happen.”
Not setting a burglar alarm
A crucial aspect of many home insurance policies is the requirement for a home security system. For homes equipped with alarms, it’s essential to ensure they are fully activated before heading off on holiday.
Anna advises: “A burglar alarm is an effective home security device. If you have an alarm at your property, your insurer will likely expect you to use it when you leave your home empty for any length of time. If you don’t set your alarm, an insurance claim for burglary is likely to be rejected or only partially paid. Some policies may also require annual servicing of your alarm.According to a survey by Saga, 34 per cent of respondents never read their policy before going on holiday, which could result in a denied claim if your policy requires that you activate your alarm while away, for example.”
It’s crucial to read your policy documents carefully and activate any home security devices that are required to maintain the validity of your policy.
Renting out your property or room while you’re away
While this might not be a concern for most families jetting off for a two-week break, it can still occur. Anna warns: “Renting out your room while on holiday can be risky if something goes wrong.
Some home insurance policies may cover occasional short-term lets, but this isn’t always guaranteed, and your claim could be denied if an incident occurs. “Always notify your insurer beforehand, especially if you intend to earn money from the rental, but even so, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered for any damage or theft caused by guests.
Anna provides further tips on how to ensure your property is secure at all times, here.