Are you one of those people who always worry when you leave your home to go on holiday, whether you turned off the stove, locked the back door or switched on the alarm? Or do you just jump in the car and worry about all these things later? Is your insurance in place?
December in South Africa brings sunshine, road trips and festive spirit, but unfortunately, it also brings a spike in crime across the country, Maroba Maduma, executive for sales and distribution at BetterSure Financial Consultants, says. “With many families travelling, unoccupied homes become easy targets. Ensuring your home is protected while you are away is not just about locking the doors, it is about taking practical measures to ensure your belongings are safe.
Homeowners often underestimate how much their own actions can influence the outcome of an insurance claim. Insurers require clients to take reasonable steps to protect their homes, Maduma says. “Leaving an alarm inactive or a window open can be seen as negligence, which could affect your claim.
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Reading your policy terms and conditions carefully before you leave is also essential because it helps you see what is covered, what is not and what your insurer expects.” He points out thatsome policies have security conditions, for example, stating that alarms must be active when no one is home or that security gates and burglar bars must be installed and maintained. Make sure these conditions are met and documented, to ensure that if something does happen, you can act quickly and efficiently. Before you leave, take the necessary steps to make sure it looks like someone is home.
Ask a neighbour or friend to collect your mail, put out your dustbins, occasionally park in your driveway, trim the grass and set outdoor lights on timers. Criminals often target homes that appear empty and therefore maintaining a lived-in look can make a real difference. When it comes to household safety, think beyond crime, Maduma says.
“Turning off your geyser before leaving not only saves you electricity but it prevents damage in the event of overheating or leaks. “Unplug non-essential appliances, or use surge protectors for devices like TVs, fridges and Wi-Fi routers to guard against unexpected power surges. Clear gutters and drains to prevent water damage from heavy summer rains and ensure your pool pump is on a safe timer setting. “These risk preventative measures can prevent both theft-related and accidental damage while you are away.”
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