The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance: Things you should do over the festive season to protect your assets

The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance says that there are a few simple things consumers can do to protect their assets during the festive season.

• If you are going away remember to make sure that the security for your home complies with your insurance protection requirements. Test your alarm system before you leave to ensure that it works and is armed whilst you are away.
• Close all your windows and lock external doors. Remove all keys from locks and store them in a safe place.
• Ensure that your pets are taken care of and use trustworthy and reliable house sitters.
• Keep in regular contact with your house sitters.
• Make sure that your post box is cleared regularly. Stop deliveries of newspapers whilst you are away or ensure that somebody collects them on a regular basis.
• Unplug electrical appliances and switch off your geyser.
• Make sure that all the taps are closed and that plugs in bath tubs and basins are removed.
• Remove excess foliage close to your electric fence.
• Keep a list of important contact numbers with you including the name and number of your insurance company and/or brokers and your policy number.
• Make sure that your vehicles are parked in a safe and secure location. Ensure that your garage doors are locked.
• If you are travelling by car, ensure that your car is roadworthy and that your tyres are in good, working condition. Do not drink and drive and take frequent stops along the way to rest and refresh yourself.

“By taking a few simple preventative measures, you can afford yourself additional peace of mind and enjoy your holiday”, says Brian Martin, The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance.