Home security at Christmas | Saga Home Insurance

Protect your home with these tips for home security at Christmas.

Christmas is fast approaching, and for many of us that means shopping for presents for our nearest and dearest (with the occasional secret Santa thrown in for good measure).

In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, our homes slowly fill up with the latest gadgets, toys and must-haves.

These valuables wrapped up under the tree, coupled with the dark weather for disguise, make your home particularly attractive to burglars.

That’s why increased home security at Christmas is vital.

Does my home insurance cover Christmas presents?

Yes, if you have contents insurance then this will usually cover Christmas presents you buy in the build up to the big day.

That said, it depends on the level of cover you have, the extra items in your home could push the value of your belongings over your cover limit, so it’s worth making sure you have enough cover.

Some insurers will automatically increase your cover limit for the month of December to ensure the extra items in your home are protected. Check in your policy booklet to see if you benefit from the extra cover.

If you are buying high value items, such as jewellery, as gifts you may need to add the item to your home insurance policy as a specified item if it exceeds the single item limit on your contents insurance.

Top tips for keeping your home secure at Christmas

1. Secure windows and doors

Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when you’re out or in bed. Take keys out of locked doors and windows and hide them so that burglars don’t stand any chance of reaching them.

2. Install motion sensor lights

For an extra level of home security at Christmas install motion sensor lights to deter thieves. You may also consider installing a security camera.

3. Keep curtains closed at night

Shutting curtains and blinds at night will keep those all-too-attractive presents out of sight. And it’s not just the presents you should take care to hide – make sure your calendar isn’t visible through a window either, as if thieves know your holiday dates, you become an easy target.

4. Use a light timer

When you’re out at night, make it seem like you’re at home with a light timer that switches lights on and off. Choose one with a random setting for the most convincing light display.

5. Plan ahead if you’re away over Christmas

If you’re heading on holiday or visiting family over the festive period, it’s important to keep your absence a secret. Cancel any newspaper or milk subscriptions that could give the game away, make use of light timers and even ask a neighbour to park on your driveway to make it seem like someone’s home.

6. Take care with social media

When you’re away on holiday, it’s natural to want to post pictures on your social media. But this lets people know you’re not home, so try to avoid posting anything until you’re back.

7. Hide presents in your home, not elsewhere

It might be tempting to hide presents from curious kids (and big kids!) out in the shed or in your car but bear in mind that many insurers will set lower limits for items stored in outbuildings and vehicles. Safely stash away presents inside your home to ensure they’re covered by your insurance.

8. Check Christmas lights and decorations

Inspect the wires and bulbs for damage before turning on your Christmas lights. And turn them off if they’ve been on for a long time or you’re out of the room, so they don’t get too hot. Also keep sharp or small decorations out of reach of little hands when the grandchildren are around.

9. Be cautious with delivery notifications and parcels

With the increase in online orders during Christmas be alert to fake delivery notifications or scam texts asking for payment. Avoid leaving deliveries outside your home – instead, use secure drop-off points if you won't be at home or ask a neighbour to take delivery for you.

10. Update your smart home security devices

Check batteries, Wi-Fi connection and app notifications for any relevant devices you have such as your doorbell. Make sure the camera placement hasn't shifted as strong winds can sometimes move it. You should also ensure your device software is up to date and test that everything is recording and storing properly.

Get extra protection from Saga

If you’re a Saga Home Insurance customer, we’ll automatically increase your Contents cover by 10% on Saga Select and 20% on Saga Plus during December and during the month of other religious festivals too.

Bear in mind Saga, like other insurers, has a single item limit for valuable personal possessions such as jewellery or watches. If you’re gifting or receiving a particularly valuable gift, you might need to speak to your insurer and add these items individually to your policy.

So, for peace of mind and home security at Christmas, make sure you’ve got all the cover you need. Get a home insurance quote today.