Protecting Your Home: Theft and the Holidays

The holiday season is here, one of the happiest times of the year. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a very busy season for thieves and those with dishonest intentions. So while it’s true your homeowner’s insurance policy does have coverage for theft, there are a few things you can do to make sure your home is far less of a target.

Lights and Timers

Inside and out – make sure your holiday lights and at least a few of your indoor lights are on timers. It’s darker a lot earlier now, so it’ll be easier to tell that you aren’t home in the early evening hours. Make sure your outside decorative lights come on at dusk.  They’ll help to light your property and make it more visible to the neighborhood as a whole. Having some interior lights come on as it gets darker will make your home look more occupied and is more likely to cause those with dishonest intentions to pass by without making an attempt.

Hide Holiday Gifts

We know the decorated tree is the focal point of your living room, but it’s also a focal point for thieves looking for gifts. Don’t make a habit of putting holiday gifts under your tree too early. Keep them out of sight in a closet, closed room, basement or attic. Don’t put them under the tree until the night of a party (if needed) or Christmas Eve (if you’re home). A decorated tree is gorgeous. A tree with gifts under it is a target.

Review Your Home Security

Make sure you are locking windows and doors at all times, especially if you are out. If you don’t have one already, consider a home security system. Theft has been on the rise, even before and after the holiday season, but this time of year is a great time to take action. Bonus? If you install a monitored system you will qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Update Your Policy

Take a few minutes to review your insurance policy and make any necessary updates. Certain items, like jewelry, are only covered to a certain value and need to otherwise be scheduled. The same goes for artwork and certain types of coin collection. Review those limits and keep any new gifts you’ve purchased in mind as well. Does that new necklace or piece of artwork need to be schedule in case something happens? Do it sooner rather than later.

Not sure if you have the right coverage to protect your home or property? Call us to talk. We’ll review your homeowner’s insurance policy and help you identify changes that need to be made!