Sainsbury's Finance warns against underinsurance

Sainsbury's Home Insurance is warning homeowners to take better home security precautions to protect themselves against burglary and theft, following the news that domestic burglaries have risen by 2.8% in the three months to the end of June this year compared to the same period last year.

New claims analysis from Sainsbury's Home Insurance reveals that during the same period, the number of home insurance claims for theft, which includes domestic burglaries and thefts of items such as bicycles from outside the home, decreased by 13%, and it is warning that this could be a sign that fewer people are taking out home insurance policies.

Research undertaken earlier this year by Sainsbury's Home Insurance revealed that in the last 12 months, nearly an estimated million (946,000) people have either cancelled their home contents insurance or reduced the amount of cover they have as a direct consequence of their financial situation.

According to Sainsbury's Home Insurance, theft currently accounts for around 15% of all home insurance claims. Sainsbury's Finance is urging homeowners to take better precautions with their home security.

Ben Tyte, Sainsbury's Home Insurance Manager, said: "A rise in burglaries may not be a surprise during a recession but what is alarming is the decrease in theft-related claims over the same period which we fear may indicate that fewer people have adequate home contents cover in place. A significant proportion of all home insurance claims relate to theft, and we would urge homeowners to make sure their home security is up to scratch and that they have adequate home contents cover.

"The average home insurance claim for theft is currently around £1,370 and in many cases is much higher, which goes to show that if you are not insured, becoming a burglary victim could severely hit your pocket."

Sainsbury's Home Insurance offers the following advice for homeowners:

Easily visible window locks can provide a good deterrent

Remove keys from locked windows and doors

Invest in an exterior security light that switches on when it detects movement

Buy a burglar alarm that is easily visible and approved (look out for British Standard BS4737) and make sure you activate it when your home is left unattended

Don't leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats

Make sure your home insurance policy covers valuable items such as bicycles or laptops outside of the home

If in any doubt, contact your local police station and ask your local Crime Prevention Officer to visit

Sainsbury's shoppers are rewarded with double Nectar points on their shopping in store, online and in petrol filling stations for two years when taking out Sainsbury's Home Insurance. Customers who spend £50 a week with Sainsbury's and have Sainsbury's Home Insurance as well as a Nectar card would receive £52 worth of Nectar points a year.

For more information, visit sainsburysfinance.co.uk.