Don’t fall short on your home insurance this Christmas

Buying presents, stocking the fridge and getting ready for Christmas celebrations is how most of us spend December, but Christmas is also a time rife with burglaries.

With that in mind, Cheshire Building Society, which provides building and contents insurance underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance, offers simple tips to keep in the festive spirit, without leaving your house vulnerable to burglars and any seasonal mishap.
Check the cover on your insurance policy – Most insurers increase home insurance cover by 10-15% throughout December to cover expensive Christmas gifts – check that your policy does this or shop around for new cover.

Prepare for your holidays - If you are going to be away over the Christmas period, make sure you cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and arrange for a neighbour to remove any mail and keep an eye on your home. Perhaps invest in a light timer so it looks like someone is home during the evenings.

Think about the little things - Make sure your policy covers you for the food in your refrigerator and freezer should there be a power cut.

Check the small print – Make sure you are covered for accidental damage for example, wine/food spillages on the carpet. Do you have new for old cover?

Keep Christmas presents out of sight – don’t have them under the tree in view from the window leading up to Christmas as they are tempting to potential burglars.

Dispose of boxes and wrappings carefully – these can act as an advert to burglars for goods inside the house, so make sure they are not on show.

Make a record - Mark all of your valuables and take a note of any serial numbers.

Do not forget the locks - Ensure that your home is fitted with the correct locks as specified by your policy and that they are in full use. If you do not do this, your claim for theft may be invalid. Always set the burglar alarm when you go out.

Don’t keep the home fires burning – Christmas is a great time to gather with the family around an open fire but it is important to remember to make sure it is put out before retiring to bed. To avoid electrical fires, make sure you turn off the Christmas tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.