Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Well, if so, you’re probably looking for somewhere to hide your gifts before the big day!
In October, Aviva polled 2,057 Britons about their best Christmas present hiding tactics and found that many are actually hiding gifts in places that could leave them vulnerable to theft and unprotected by their home insurance policies! Here’s what you should be aware of…
Don’t Hide Christmas Gifts In Your Car
Some people choose to hide gifts in their cars, but car insurance policies typically have lower value limits for stolen items than home insurance policies do, so be sure not to stash your gifts in there.
Outbuildings Are Commonly Targeted
6% of Aviva’s responders said they hide their gifts in outbuildings. It’s worth bearing in mind that outbuildings such as sheds and garages are commonly targeted by burglars, so avoid hiding your presents here. If you are going to, ensure that the outbuilding is properly secured, with a lock, for your insurance policy to be valid. Most policies won’t pay out for theft unless there’s sign of forced entry.
Top Hiding Spots
Hiding spots in the home protected by your house insurance include cupboards and drawers (29% of Aviva’s respondents), spare bedrooms (26%) and under the bed (17%). The best tactic, according to Aviva, is to stash gifts in a variety of places, as one in five (19%) of us are already doing. That way if burglars do break in, they’re unlikely to steal all your gifts.
Tuck Away Your Gifts Until Christmas Morning
You never know who could be peering through your window this festive season – as festive as it is, avoid placing all your gifts under the Christmas tree – this could attract thieves to your house. Instead, wait until Christmas morning.
Home Contents Insurance Policies
You may want to list your priciest gifts, including jewellery and watches separately on policies, as high-value items. Contents insurance policies may have an upper limit on the maximum amount that they will pay out for theft and for individual items.
Be Mindful
Don’t put the bulky cardboard packaging for your high value items outside your house ready for the next bin collection. This could alert thieves to what you have just bought or received, putting your home on their hit list. Ensure any high value item packaging that you are disposing of is not in view of passers-by.
Stay safe this Christmas!
Wishing all our clients a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
– The Omni Davis Team
* https://www.moneyexpert.com/insurance/make-list-check-insurance-tcs-twice-common-christmas-gift-hiding-spots-wont-covered/
