PROPERTY NEWS - December in South Africa brings sunshine, road trips, and festive spirit, but unfortunately, it also brings a spike in crime across the country. 

With many families travelling, unoccupied homes become easy targets. Ensuring your home is protected while you’re away is not just about locking the doors, it is about taking practical measures to ensure your belongings are safe.

Know your responsibilities as a homeowner

Homeowners often underestimate how much their own actions can influence the outcome of an insurance claim. Insurers require clients to take reasonable steps to protect their homes. Leaving an alarm inactive or a window open can be seen as negligence, which could affect a claim.

Reading your policy terms and conditions carefully before you leave is also essential because it helps you see what is covered, what isn’t, and what your insurer expects.

Some policies have security conditions, for example, stating that alarms must be active when no one is home or that security gates and bars must be installed and maintained. Make sure these conditions are met and documented, so that if something does happen, you can act quickly and efficiently.

Reduce your risk before you lock up

Before you leave, take the necessary steps to make sure it looks like someone is home. Ask a neighbour or friend to collect your post, put out your dustbins, occasionally park in your driveway, trim the grass, and set outdoor lights on timers. 

Criminals often target homes that appear empty, so maintaining a lived-in look can make a real difference.

When it comes to household safety, think beyond crime. Turning off your geyser before leaving not only saves you electricity but it prevents damage in the event of overheating or leaks. Unplug non-essential appliances, or use surge protectors for devices like TVs, fridges, and Wi-Fi routers to guard against unexpected power surges. 

Clear gutters and drains to prevent water damage from heavy summer rains, and ensure your pool pump is on a safe timer setting.

These risk preventative measures can prevent both theft-related and accidental damage while you’re away.

Check your cover before you check out

While you cannot predict every risk, you can control how prepared you are. Start by checking that your home’s security measures are in proper working order. Alarm systems should be fully functional and connected to armed response at all times. 

Test your electric fence, motion sensors, and beams, and make sure to replace any faulty batteries or wiring. These checks show that you have exercised your duty of care, which is something insurers expect when assessing claims.

From an insurance perspective, both home contents cover and homeowners cover should be reviewed before the festive season starts. 

Home contents cover protects your personal possessions and valuables inside the house, and buildings cover protects the physical structure of your house. These are essential if your property suffers during a burglary.

Take time to ensure your policy reflects the current replacement value of your belongings. Many homeowners underestimate how much it costs to replace everything they own. It is also very important to know what exclusions are in play and could potentially affect a claim. 

If you have recently bought new valuables such as a phone or laptop, make sure they are specified on your policy.

“A simple way to stay organised is to create a home inventory system,” says Maroba Maduma, Executive Sales and Distribution at BetterSure Financial Consultants. “Make sure to list all your possessions so that you know exactly what is in your house. Keep proof of ownership for all of your valuables. 

"A good tip is to take selfies with your valuables, as this provides timestamped evidence that you own those items. Having accurate records not only simplifies the claims process but also helps protect you from potential claim disputes,” continues Maroba.

Preparing your home for the holidays is about peace of mind. It’s about being proactive by reviewing your cover and putting small but meaningful safeguards in place. This way, you can enjoy your holiday knowing that your home is protected,

The festive season should be a time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. A little planning now ensures that when you return home, it is how you left it.

Article: Maroba Maduma, Executive Sales and Distribution, BetterSure Financial Consultants

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