Keep your door locked to keep your cover
Leaving door unlocked can be costly
Wednesday, 02 Jul 2008 13:27
Forgetting to lock your door when you go out can cost you dearly if you are burgled, an insurer has warned.
Home contents insurance may be affected if you have not taken steps to protect your possessions – yet 11 per cent of people leave their front door open to burglars every year, Newcastle Building Society said.
In a survey of 1,990 adults across the UK, Newcastle found that, while the majority of people understood the measures necessary to reduce their home contents insurance cover, many admitted to acts of forgetfulness over the last year which could cost them dearly should they need to make a claim.
The top acts of forgetfulness by UK residents included: leaving the house with appliances still running (58 per cent), failing to check their smoke alarm battery (50 per cent), leaving the curtains or blinds open with possessions on display (28 per cent) and leaving the house without locking the windows (26 per cent).
Of all people surveyed, 34 per cent have made a claim, with burglary the greatest reason (seven per cent), followed by flooding damage and damage from appliances (six per cent for each).
Steven Marks, lending executive at Newcastle Building Society, said: "While it is encouraging to see that many people are aware of the measures to take to reduce their home contents insurance bill, it is worrying to see the number of people who admit to forgetful acts over a year; especially if they have made a claim in the past.
"It stands to reason that leaving your home without locking the doors or setting the alarm creates a risk for burglary but it can also affect your home contents cover should you come to claim."
The poll also showed that people who rent their property are less likely to have home contents insurance compared to those who own their home outright or have a mortgage (22 per cent compared to two per cent respectively).