Holidaymakers 'Should Cover Themselves Against More Than Sun'

We all enjoy our annual two weeks away from work, but sometimes the worst happens and we arrive home to find that the house has been broken into and valuable possessions stolen. It seems this is becoming more of a problem to UK holidaymakers.

A sufficient home insurance policy should see people holidaying abroad covered against more than the sun, it has been reported.

According to a leading newspaper, £2.3 billion is spent every year on repairs after a break-in, with 2.5 million returning home to find they have had their belongings damaged or stolen.

Similarly, the news provider claimed that 600,000 homes are vandalised each year when people are away. This could be in the form of storm damage, which affects 700,000 or a fire problem, which compromises the homes of 100,000 annually.

While these may be natural occurrences, a Home Office spokesperson offered advice as to how to avoid being burgled.

"Almost half of all burglaries happen when a flat or a house is empty, so make your home look like someone is living in it," the representative said.

How your neighbours can help:

•    They can come in everyday and open and close your curtains at appropriate times
•     They can remove any build up of post.
•     Turn lights on and off.
•     Mow the law if necessary.
•    They can occasionally park a car on your driveway.
•    Sweep up leaves.

You can repay the favour by doing the same for them. Warn your neighbour not to put your surname, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands. Let your neighbour know when you will be away and, if you can, give them details so that they can contact you or someone who can act on your behalf, in an emergency.

Is there a Neighbourhood Watch scheme where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a scheme in your area or help you set one up. It could help you make your home more secure while you’re away, and has many other crime-prevention and community benefits.

If you would like to know more about home insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.