Get peace of mind with NFU Mutual’s ‘Santa Clause’

Rural insurer NFU Mutual reveals that people are getting into the festive spirit and being as generous as ever this Christmas, with more than 3 in 10 (39%) respondents to an online web poll indicating that they would be spending between £150 and £300 on Christmas presents this year.

However, a staggering 20 per cent are being even more generous, saying that they will spend over £500 in spreading good cheer amongst their family and friends this Christmas.

Whatever amount people decide to spend this Christmas, it is clear that presents bought and received along with bumper food and wine spending will lead to a significant increase in the value of most people’s home contents during the month of December.

Laura Wood, spokesperson for NFU Mutual, which has offices across the UK, said, “People do not consider the cumulative value of the gifts which they store or bring into their home during the festive season and it is vital that they remember that the value of these presents will impact on their home contents insurance.

“NFU Mutual’s Premier Home Insurance Policy automatically increases the sum insured for contents by 10%, or £5,000, whichever is the greater, during the month of December, so that people can enjoy the festivities safe in the knowledge that their presents are well protected. You might like to think of it as your very own ‘Santa Clause’!”

Wood concludes, “People living in rural areas can also be more susceptible to power cuts and long term power loss and when you have a freezer full of lovely Christmas goodies, this can be disastrous. Therefore the NFU Mutual policy also provides unlimited freezer cover in case the worst happens.”

Around Christmas time you should take precautions to stop yourself becoming a victim of crime:

If you’re hiding presents from the children, consider the loft rather than wardrobes or cupboards, as thieves (and the kids) are less likely to find them.
Don’t leave presents on display by an open or uncovered window however rural your home is.
Make sure your house is locked up securely if you are going away for the Christmas period
Tell your insurer of any new high value items received as gifts so they can be added onto your cover straight away
Install an alarm system accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) and use an installer certified by a recognised approval body such as NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
Fit and use insurance approved (BS3621:2004) security locks to all perimeter doors
Fit and use window security locks on ground floor windows and accessible first floor windows
Security mark valuable property with a marker substance such as Smartwater
Set timers for lights and radios when you're not at home and consider outside security lighting protection, suitably installed and located
NFU Mutual’s web site www.nfumutual.co.uk includes detailed advice on security