Summer days, drifting away……
The summer might be coming to a close, but a recent forecast of another heatwave got me thinking about insurance. I know, I can’t help it! The good weather we get is so sporadic that when it comes, we’re all desperate to make the most of it. But in our rush to enjoy the sunshine it’s easy to get swept along on the holiday vibe and end up with an insurance claim.
To keep you and your property out of harm’s way, here are a few suggestions to avoid claims both now and, in the months ahead.
Keep your sizzle safe
Napoleon famously said we were a nation of shopkeepers. If he’d been here in the summer, he’d have realised we’re actually a nation of BBQ chefs and firepit afficionados.
There’s been lots of news reports about devasting wildfires in the countryside, many of which were started by BBQs and camp fires. But every year, we see claims from BBQs at home that have got out of control and set light to garden furniture, fences and property. Unfortunately, we also see personal injury claims from people who have suffered burns.
To make sure things don’t get out of hand, it’s worth having a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby and positioning your firepit or grill on level ground and away from anything that could catch fire. Avoid the temptation to get things going with a splash of petrol and don’t forget that coals can stay hot for hours, so check they’re stone cold before you put them in the rubbish.
A place for everything…
Sticking with potential issues in the garden, it’s easy to forget just how much we’ve spent on garden tools, equipment and furniture. Do you keep it under lock and key in a secure shed? Do you make sure it all gets put away at the end of the day? It’s also important to check exactly what level of cover your home insurance policy provides for garden furniture and tools and that it meets your needs.
And when you’re working in the garden, take time to do things properly. Reaching out while balancing on one leg from the top of a ladder is not a good idea, especially when you’ve got an electric hedge trimmer running at full tilt. Take a moment to set things up properly, so you don’t put yourself in danger or end up crashing down and injuring yourself.
Don’t let thieves breeze in
In the warmer weather it’s lovely to have doors and windows open and fresh air flowing through the house. But it’s also easy to forget how easy this makes it for burglars on the lookout for easy pickings. Even if you’re at home, thieves can be in and out of an open door in seconds. And if you’re out and have left doors and windows open, it could prevent your insurer from paying out.
Summer repairs
There’s an old maxim that says the best time to repair your roof is when the sun is shining. It’s worth remembering, and if you can check your roof and gutters in the better weather and take care of any issues, it’ll save you all sorts of cost and inconvenience in the winter.
It’s unlikely your home insurance will cover such costs and policies won’t pay out for necessary maintenance for wear and tear. But they do stipulate that you should keep your property in a good state of repair. If a winter storm brings down a chimney, but the insurer finds your roof has been neglected, the claim for storm damage could be turned down.
Holiday plans
This year, there’s been some beautiful weather to enjoy in the UK, but the reality is that lots of us still head overseas for some guaranteed sunshine during the summer months. Standard home insurance policies will generally cover your property while its unoccupied, so long as it’s not for more than 30 consecutive days. But there are some practical measures you can take to help avoid problems while your away.
Asking a neighbour to take out and return your bins is a good idea and also gives them the chance to have a look around and make sure everything is in good order. They might also be able to pick up your post to avoid it piling up at the front door and being an obvious sign that you’re away.
If you’d like to check any aspect of your home insurance and to make sure it provides the cover you need, then please get in touch with our expert team at Keegan & Pennykid. We can talk through your options and, if you’d like, offer some guidance on keeping your property out of harm’s way.
