WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020
With the holidays approaching, you are probably thinking about any gifts that you might receive this year. These might be new items of all shapes and sizes, and many of them might be expensive.
However, the holidays are times when property theft tends to skyrocket. Thieves know that you will soon bring new, expensive items into your home that they might have a chance to steal. That is why it is up to you to be extra-vigilant this time of year. Whether you are staying at home or traveling, make sure that all your holiday gifts remain secure. Here are a few ways to do so.
1. Make Sure Your Home Insurance is Up to Date
The possessions coverage on your homeowners insurance is designed to cover the value of belongings lost to numerous hazards like weather, theft, fires or other perils. However, as you buy or receive new items, the overall value of your possessions might increase. At times, you might need to increase your possessions coverage limit to make sure you will receive adequate compensation for a claim.
If an item is worth a particularly high value, then consider adding a scheduled personal property rider to your policy. This is a targeted benefit can help you insure single items like jewelry, art or expensive electronics at appropriate values.
2. Do Not Advertise
When you receive a new item, it is best not to announce it to the world. You never know when someone might see your brand-new TV in a social media post, and then decide to break into your home.
If you plan to travel this holiday season, then avoid posting your travel plans on social media, too. Thieves are more likely to strike when they know you are not at home. Do not make it easy for them. Even after you have left on your trip, take steps like using timers on your lights, stopping your mail delivery and having a friend check on your home regularly.
3. Monitor Deliveries
If you will have a lot of gifts delivered to your home this season, then take precautions to protect them. Even if you have a doorbell alarm system, these systems might not deter determined thieves. Therefore, there are other precautions that might be more beneficial:
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Have deliveries left inside a gate or fence.
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Arrange to pick up items at shipping drop-off points.
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Track your orders so that you know when they will arrive. If they are late, then you can start a search for them.
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If you will not be home during delivery times, ask a trusted neighbor to gather the item and hold it until you can pick it up.
Of course, once you have these items in your home, store them safely away until you can use them. As always, do not forget to make liberal use of your security systems and keep your doors locked regardless of whether you are home or away.
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