ABI: Security measures help lower premiums

Taking measures to reduce the risk to property will not only improve security but will lower insurance premiums.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), factors such as security lights and gravel contribute to much-needed security that will keep home insurance to a minimum.

Kelly Ostler, a spokesperson for the ABI, said: “Having gravel pathways can help because they make a noise so you can hear intruders. Keeping your perimeters secure, so if you’ve got a garden gate, keeping it locked.

“Security lights combined with gravel tends to be quite good. Different insurance companies will ask different things but you can give them extra information.”

She added that crime levels in the area will also affect premiums but, aside from joining the neighbourhood watch, there is little that can be done about that.

Furthermore, making sure the property is well maintained is a necessary duty and it may help avoid the possibility of any claims being declined, Ms Ostler advised.

According to the Home Office’s crime reduction website, in two out of ten burglaries entry to the property is not forced with the majority of thefts executed by opportunistic thieves.

Tags: crime reduction website, Home Office, gravel, office, duty, different things