Crime related insurance claims spike around Halloween. This includes an increase in theft, both inside and outside the home, and vandalism.
A lot of people walk around local streets with their children, knocking on doors for ‘trick or treat’ but prowling thieves have their eyes on more valuable goodies, such as a smartphone left in your car.
It’s tempting to assume no one would dare break in when there are so many witnesses walking around. As a result, people often drop their guards just when they should be most vigilant.
How to secure your home and belongings
Halloween is known for pranks and the insurance industry has previously seen claims due to vandalism and malicious mischief. This is a fairly broad category of crime with relatively innocent home-egging to more purposely destructive acts, such as smashing car windows.
Keep your plans off social media
Leaving the house dark isn’t the only way you might accidentally attract burglars. Be mindful of other hints that your house is empty — such as announcing your plans on Facebook.
Thieves don’t just strike at home…make sure your car looks empty
Your house isn’t the only hot spot for opportunistic criminals.
Halloween thefts that occur away from home may involve belongings in a car. Avoid leaving electronic devices, sunglasses, wallets and other valuable items sitting on the seat or dashboard.
If you usually leave your car in your driveway or on the street but have a garage, Halloween is a good time to put your car away.
A top tip is to keep a list of all your belongings and what they’re worth can speed up the claims process.
It’s a good time to review your insurance
If you’re turning your home into a haunted house and charging admission for example, you should also verify you have adequate insurance for this with your insurance broker. That might be considered a business activity, meaning your homeowners insurance wouldn’t cover property crimes that occur during the event.
Also keep in mind that your home insurance doesn’t pay for vandalism to your car. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, or the cost to replace the egg eaten paint on your bumper might come out of your own pocket.
You can make sure your home insurance is adequate by obtaining an insurance quotation from your insurance broker. Horner Blakey Insurance Brokers are established to help with non-standard household risks such as homes with subsidence and maisonettes insurance.
For a no obligation quotation please contact Horner Blakey Insurance Brokers on 020 7929 0108
