Post Office pops extra home contents cover in customers’ stockings this Christmas
Post Office Home Insurance customers can expect one extra present this festive season as their home insurance cover is increased by 10 per cent from one month before and one month after the holiday season (25 November 2013 – 25 January 2014).
With many homes filled with valuable gifts ahead of the festive period, any case of theft or accidental damage could result in a more costly loss than usual. A combination of unattended homes during the busy holiday social season and long winter nights means households could be more vulnerable to burglary.
Post Office Home Insurance automatically increases the level of contents cover during big celebrations such as Christmas to ensure that any valuables in your home are protected.
Paul Havenhand, Head of Home Insurance at Post Office, said: “To give our customers peace of mind and one less thing to worry about, we automatically raise home contents cover during the festive season. If the worst does happen, Post Office customers can rely on the additional protection provided to replace damaged or stolen gifts. By providing this small Christmas present, customers can be secure in the knowledge that their gifts and belongings have a little extra protection.”
Top tips for protecting your home and gifts at Christmas:
Be cautious when posting on social media if you are choosing to go away for the festive season
If you are out of the house for long periods of the day, or spending the holiday elsewhere, consider installing automatic light timers to give the impression that someone is home and deter would-be thieves
Do not leave presents or other valuables where they might be visible to passers-by
If you are expecting a delivery or parcel make sure you are in to receive it or a neighbour can look after it until your return rather than leaving it outside on the doorstep
Do not leave boxes and packaging of expensive new goods among the rubbish, especially as Christmas collections may be at unfamiliar times
Make sure that your home insurance covers all expensive gifts in the home and check whether some items may needed to be listed separately on your policy
Take a photographic record of very expensive items
Keep any decorations securely out of reach of any open fires, candles or decorative lights.
If you have outdoor lights make sure any cables or extension cords do not leave windows or doorways unsecured, as burglars will know to look for vulnerable spots like this
Paint the rim of your garden fence with anti-climb paint; this makes it harder for someone to climb the fence and if they do it will be easier to find finger prints
Post Office has a 24 hour claims line, so customers can call at any time. To find out more about Post Office Home Insurance, visit postoffice.co.uk.