Many families will be making their way out of town for a well-deserved Easter break. However, leaving your home unattended can be a potential security risk, as it makes it easier for burglars and thieves to enter. According to the latest crime statistics, housebreaking is the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa, with a total of 983 000 incidents being recorded for the 2021/22 reporting period.
There are other unexpected incidents that may quickly turn your holiday into a nightmare, such as your perimeter wall caving in and damaging your neighbour’s belongings, or your geyser bursting, flooding your house and damaging your electronics and belongings. Anything can happen. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
‘With consumers generally feeling the pinch of higher inflation, many South Africans have been forced to review their financial needs and, very often, make tough calls on whether to keep their insurance or not. However, having insurance can give you peace of mind and save you money in the future,’ says Angela Vernes, Head of Operations at Nedbank Insurance’.
As a homeowner, you may have to take some measures to safeguard your home adequately against any unforeseen circumstances before going on holiday. Those measures include the following:
- Invest in a security system like motion sensors or surveillance cameras, which can be easily used and monitored from anywhere.
- Inform a trusted neighbour or friend that you’ll be going away and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
- Some insurers may require you to inform them of any extended absences, so it is important to do so before going on holiday and take the opportunity to review your policy for potential losses and damages that may occur while you’re away.
- Notify the police immediately if a burglary or theft occurs in your home and do not enter the property until they have arrived. The untampered crime scene is important for them to gather crucial evidence, investigate the incident and compile a crime report, which you can use to claim on your insurance policy.
‘Overall, it is important to review your insurance policy regularly. Make a list of any significant changes such as upgrades on your property; keep records of your assets, including a detailed inventory of your home and its contents; and keep receipts as well as proof of ownership. Submit your claims immediately to your insurance provider,’ concludes Vernes.
