Triple trouble as ‘worst claims days’ fall in one week
Darker nights and Halloween horrors usually herald a more risky time for homeowners - put them together and you could have a rather more hazardous mix.
For the first time in six years British Summertime ends in the early hours of October 31 and five days later comes Bonfire Night, statistically the worst night of the year for theft and burglaries.
So the UK's largest insurer is calling on all home and car owners to be especially vigilant when the clocks go back at the end of the month.
"We always warn of the increased security risks around darker nights, Halloween visitors and of course firework parties in the back garden, but in 2010 we have everything coming all at once," says Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva.
"Obviously the extra hours of darkness give opportunist thieves more time and better cover to slip unnoticed into your home or garden shed. On top of that we have Halloween, that often becomes a night of more damaging tricks than treats, and bonfire night which means plenty of homeowners are out enjoying parties so cars are left unattended and homes empty. Of course the additional noise means any suspicious sounds, like smashed windows, aren't heard."
Ten years of claims data from Aviva shows that burglaries increase by 5% once British summertime ends, with November 5th being the worst day of the year for break-ins to your home and car. The extra hours of darkness also sees a 15% increase in car accidents compared to the week before.
But Halloween sees a massive 150% rise in malicious damage claims, to the home.
Tricks not treats
Halloween is also one of the worst days of the year for damage to cars, with 50% more claims than a normal day. And car thefts also rise - 20% more than on an average day.
The top five malicious damage claims at Halloween are:
Smashed windows - objects such as milk bottles, stones and even pumpkins, thrown through windows
Damage to doors - including glass breakage and damage caused by attempted forced entry
Vandalism to vehicles - mainly affecting aerials, wing mirrors and windscreens.
Food fighting - eggs, flour and other ingredients for mindless destruction thrown at property. In some more severe incidents, food is replaced by paint, causing even more damage
Damage to garden property - including wheelie bin fires, damage to gates and fences, garden walls knocked down and plant pots broken
Remember remember 5th November
After Halloween comes another insurance hot spot of the year.
Aviva claims data reveals that Bonfire Night is the:
Worst day of the year for burglaries - they rise by over a quarter (28%)
Worst day of the year for car theft - an increase of 25% compared to an average day.
Not surprisingly, Bonfire Night is also one of the worst days of the year for fire claims with 45% more than on an average day.
"The key is not to make your home inviting for thieves or trouble makers," says Townend.
"Simple things like putting away garden ornaments or plants pots and popping your car in the garage will help to reduce the chances of your property being the subject of a potentially costly ‘trick'. Make sure your home looks "lived-in" if you are going out; leave lights on, shut all windows and make sure all doors on your home and sheds are properly secured.
"And remember to follow all the safety instructions if you are hosting a bonfire party close to your home, it only takes a stray spark or sparkler to cause serious damage to your own or a neighbouring property.
"Obviously theft, malicious damage and fire are all covered as standard by your home and car insurance, but clearly it is far better to avoid the trauma of such an event happening in the first place."
Top tricks to avoid being targeted by criminals:
Put the car in the garage or tucked out of the way for the night
Move any garden ornaments, potted plants or bikes from the front or side of your house and out of sight
Don't feel you have to answer your door, to trick or treaters, if you don't want to.
Leave the radio and the odd light on when you're out during the winter to give the appearance of someone being home
Ensure sheds, garages and other out-buildings have robust locks
If you enjoying a firework party in the garden, make sure your front doors and windows are shut and locked
And of course follow all the usual safety precautions when dealing with fire or fireworks
For more information on home and car insurance direct from Aviva go to aviva.co.uk.