Holiday season is officially on (but make sure your home is protected)!

With the limited resumption of international travel prompting a flurry of holiday bookings, whether you’re raring to fly or sticking with a staycation, make sure you don’t leave your home vulnerable.

With lockdowns preventing us from going on holiday for much of the past year, it’s little wonder we’re all desperate to get away. However, a year at home and a national DIY craze later, your insurance cover may be a little out of date.

‘Renovation Nation’

According to money.co.uk’s Renovation Nation report, property owners spent £55bn (£4,035.70 each) on home improvements between March and July 2020, as spending more time at home prompted 65% of homeowners to invest in their properties. When asked why they chose to invest, over a quarter (27%) cited increasing their home’s value as their main reason.

If you’ve recently put money into renovating your home (or purchased expensive new possessions such as electronics and equipment to alleviate lockdown boredom), then your buildings/contents cover may no longer be adequate – so do check before travelling.

Lock all the doors (and everything else)

Failing to lock up your home properly could invalidate your insurance if your house is broken into while you’re away. Make sure you lock not only your doors, but windows, skylights, cat flaps and other openings that might leave your house vulnerable. If you have an alarm, make sure you activate it as not doing so could also impact the outcome of a claim.

Going on a longer break?

Most home insurance policies will only provide cover if your home is left unoccupied for less than 30 days. Unoccupied property insurance may be needed if you’re going away for longer than a month.

As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments.