Legal & General tips for an insurance spring clean

Many of us may be considering giving our homes a ‘Spring clean’; Legal & General’s general insurance business suggests that this is also a good time to check that our homes are safe and secure.

For example, checking that any home security systems and safety systems are all in good working order - things that may just be dusted as part of the ‘Spring clean’ but perhaps need further inspection.

Research conducted by Legal & General has highlighted that people don’t always check their home security and safety as often as they should. The survey revealed that although we do have some home security or safety devices in place, with over 80% having a smoke alarm and 30% a security alarm in their home, worryingly over 50% admitted that they had never checked their security alarm.

Legal & General has prepared the following tips to help ensure that home safety and security is not overlooked as we get our properties into shape after the winter.

Spring cleaning your home security

Check your burglar alarm works or consider installing one if you don’t have one already. These should be regularly checked in accordance with the installers' or manufacturers' recommendations, which normally suggest annually.
Check locks fitted to all accessible windows are in working order, as they may not have been opened for a while.
Make sure your shed and any other outbuildings are secure. This may mean replacing any locks that have rusted and repairing any rotting or damaged window frames.
Get your garden back into shape by cutting back any overhanging trees so that the entrance to your house is not obscured.
Check trees and shrubs for storm and wind damage so they are not likely to fall on the house and cause any damage.
Always remember to lock all windows and doors before you leave your home.

Home safety

Inspect your smoke alarms, check batteries monthly to see they are working and clear of any dust.
Test your fire extinguisher and remove dust build-up from the nozzle. Check that it has a British Standard kitemark.
Clean out your kitchen oven extractor hood to remove any oil build-up to reduce the risk of fire.
Clean tumble dryer filters and exhaust duct and area under the dryer to reduce the risk of fire and flood.

Home maintenance

Check the roof for any missing tiles or cracks in roofing felt
Check the guttering and drains for damage and clear any debris
Check brickwork for any cracks
Check for any debris collection or animal nests such as wasps
Check the exterior of the house for mildew
Check any woodwork such as wood flooring for woodworm
Repair uneven or cracked paths and driveways to reduce risk of slips and trips
Check trees and shrubs for wind damage
Clear any algae from paths and patios to reduce risk of slips and trips
Varnish your shed and fences to protect against weather
Service your lawnmower to make sure it’s safe to use

Also, during the warmer months we may be more inclined to leave windows and doors open, so make sure any personal possessions such as handbags; mobile phones and wallets are out of sight if next to open windows and doors.

Legal & General research shows that 73% of Brits leave their most valuable possessions lying around in their kitchen, with keys, money, valuable documents, mobile phones and even medication all featuring in the top ten list of items left in the kitchen.

Elaine Parkes, Head of Technical Services for Legal & General's general insurance business, said: “Customers are required to take reasonable steps to safeguard their property and contents against loss or damage as part of the terms of their household insurance cover. This includes ensuring that their property is maintained in a good condition. These simple checks should give customers confidence that their property is safe and secure and more importantly, covered by meeting the terms of their policy.

Elaine continued: “If you’re planning more than a ‘Spring clean’, such as major home improvements then it’s worthwhile checking with your insurer beforehand to see if restrictions will apply to your cover. Give your insurer a call if you’re considering an extension, a loft conversion or a conservatory.”

For more information, visit legalandgeneral.co.uk/home-travel.