Winter is a good time to make improvements to home insurance

“Winter is an ideal time to consider making improvements to home security”, claim leading insurance experts.

Halifax Home Insurance has said burglars are more likely to target those properties which are easiest to get into and has issued a series of tips to help deter any potential thieves.

David Rochester, head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance, said: “Darker nights provide cover for criminals looking to break into homes, and the rich pickings available to burglars in the form of presents under the tree can prove all too tempting for the opportunist burglar.”

The advice includes fitting visible key-operated locks to the windows, especially on the ground floor, and security lights

He also said that expensive items such as mp3 players, jewellery, mobile phones and car keys can act as an “open invitation to burglars” if left on full view near a window.

Recent research by Liverpool Victoria revealed that burglary and theft accounts for 36 per cent of crime in the UK and costs the nation an estimated £2.8 billion a year.

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Christmas – a ‘good’ time to renew home insurance

Christmas is a good time for consumers to look at renewing their home insurance cover according to insurers Direct Line.

Home owners should be extra vigilant during the festive period by checking their cover and removing any expensive items from display states the company.

Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance with Direct Line, said: “Expensive items such as those over £1,500 in value, for example jewellery, may need to be specified separately on your policy – it is a good idea to check with your insurer.”

He also advised students to be extra vigilant if they return home for Christmas.

Unoccupied student housing can be an ideal target for thieves. Students should ensure they are fully covered for their contents and remove any expensive items from view, he said.

Recent research by Liverpool Victoria revealed that theft accounts for 36 per cent of crime in the UK and costs the nation £2.8 billion per year.

The findings also show that 68 per cent of homes in the UK leave expensive items such as TVs, PCs and antiques on display.

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