Summer security slip ups can damage your wallet

Simon Lamble, product developer for Confused.com - price comparison service - advises homeowners not to become lax this summer with their in-home security as little slip- ups can invalidate insurance claims:

1. Don't leave windows and doors open when you are not there: it is not just at night when homeowners need to be aware of the dangers of open windows and doors. Leaving your back door or kitchen window open during a hot sunny afternoon might seem harmless but the moment you have left the room, you are vulnerable to opportunistic thieves who can break in with ease. Insurance companies will not pay out for this, as it is your own lack of security that is at fault.

2. Ensure that you have fitted all of the necessary security measures to your home: this includes fitting an alarm system which is visible to any would-be burglars and fitting all of the correct locks on doors and windows. If you have stated in your insurance policy that you have security measures in place, you must ensure that they are up to date and that they match the ones on the system. If not, then any insurance claim could be void.

3. Make adequate arrangements when going on holiday: ensure that you do not leave valuables on show through windows, and ensure that all windows and doors are fully locked with the key kept in a secure place. Cancel your milk and paper order so that it is not obvious that you are away, and ask a neighbour to park in your driveway if possible. Also, use timers to switch lights on and off to give the illusion that someone is at home.

4. Ensure you lock up garages and sheds: the summer is a perfect time to do a bit of gardening and DIY work but make sure that you lock all tools and ladders away at night, and that your insurance covers everything which you keep in there, in case someone does force their way in. Once again, you won't get a pay out if you haven't got the right contents insurance, or if you leave anything out, so be vigilant.