Secure your home before you go away this summer

M&S Money is urging holidaymakers to take measures to secure their homes this summer as a survey finds that more than half of people will leave their properties empty while they are away.

The poll by M&S Money found that more than two-thirds of Brits (69%) plan to go away from home for at least one night during August. While many householders will leave older children or relatives behind to look after the house, 51% will leave the property empty. Of these almost a quarter (24%) of people admitted they would not ask someone to check their property while away.

Over two thirds (68%) of Brits leave spare keys for their property with neighbours, family, friends, or someone such as a cleaner or dog walker. On average householders will leave two spare sets of keys with someone who doesn't live in their property, while 17% of people admitted that they have concealed keys outside their property at some point while away from home.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: ‘With August being one of the most popular months for people to go away, we would urge homeowners to take appropriate steps to ensure their home is secure while they enjoy their holidays.

‘It is important that security measures you take are in line with the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you have adequate cover should the worst happen.'

Tips from M&S Money to help secure your property while you're away:

Advise a trusted neighbour or a friend or family member that you are going away

Ask someone you trust to check on the property while you're away and clear away any post from the door mat

Only leave keys with people if it is essential and reclaim these when you return

Do not hide keys outside your home

If possible, put your lights on a timer so that it appears that someone is living in your property.

Cancel any regular deliveries

Be careful who you tell about your holidays, including messages on social media websites

Check your home insurance policy as your insurer may have a limit on how long you can leave the property empty. The M&S policy has a limit of 30 days. If staying away for longer customers are asked to contact us.
 
Marks & Spencer Home Insurance is available online at marksandspencer.com/homeinsurance.