Check your insurance before you lock up and go – FNBIB

Don’t just check locks and burglar alarms before going on holiday. For real peace of mind, also check your short-term insurance.

That’s the pre-festive season tip from FNB Insurance Brokers (FNBIB), the short-term insurance arm of the FNB financial services group and a broker known for consumer focus and service-led solutions.

Marketing general manager Debbie Barret says one problem is that consumers about to leave on holiday focus so much on home security they forget the most basic security measure of all – quality short-term insurance.

Says Barret: “We advise consumers to check all security items before they leave. But top of the list has to be a reminder to take out your insurance policy and make sure you have adequate cover.

“If you are under-insured, you will only be paid a portion of your claim in the event of loss. A burglary could wipe you out. So could fire or storm damage. Is cover adequate? Top up the cover if the figure no longer reflects current valuations.”

FNB Insurance Brokers also advises consumers to check the policy’s all-risk section.

Barret explains: “This covers the items that can be carried from your home and may include possessions you intend to take on holiday such as cell phones, laptops, cameras, jewellery and expensive accessories such as branded handbags.

“Make sure portable possessions are itemised in the all-risks segment of the policy. Cover depends on a specific listing.”

If you find your insurance is inadequate and there are big omissions in the inventory of household goods or personal possessions, a pre-holiday insurance review may be necessary. Call your broker for expert assistance.

Obviously, basic security checks around your property are also advised.

Most insurers stipulate that security gates and burglar bars are fitted to all opening doors and windows. Additional safeguards, including an alarm system, may be required if you have made a burglary claim in the past.

The alarm system must be in good working order. Check it after storms or power interruptions. Your insurance cover and the system’s guarantee can be disputed if the system is poorly maintained.

Don’t forget to activate the alarm before going on holiday. Claims can be also be disputed if you failed to activate the alarm.

Ask a friend, neighbour or family member to keep an eye on the place and respond should your alarm go off while you’re on holiday. Alternatively, have a security company monitor the alarm and property.

Give your security company the names of everyone with access to your property while you’re on leave.

Before going on holiday, put away stoep furniture, tools, the garden hose and items like bicycles and lawnmowers. If you are leaving a vehicle at home, make sure it is locked and put away in the garage. Lock the garage.

Check all doors, windows and locks before departure.

“Good insurance and good home security make for peace of mind,” says Barret. “Time checking them both is time well spent.”