Spring clean your home insurance
While you're tackling your domestic chores this spring, it's worth paying some attention to any hazards in the home that could result in a claim. And if a job's worth doing it's worth doing properly. So, the following tips will help to ensure that everything you own is safe and secure during your annual spring clean up, and maybe remove a few stubborn pounds from your monthly outgoings...
1. Freshen up your home security
It's easy to forget about home security, until it goes wrong. So, a quick check of the following could help avoid a costly break in:
- Check your burglar alarm works, or, if you've not already got one, consider installing one. You could save some money on your home insurance premiums if you fit an approved alarm.
- Make sure that all of your window locks are in working order as they may not have been opened for a while. If not, get the power tools out and fit new sturdy ones.
- During the warmer months, it's easy to leave windows and doors open, so make sure your personal possessions (such as handbags, mobile phones and purse) are out of sight not in open view.
- Don't leave keys too close to a door - there's been an increase in break-ins where burglars simply hook keys through a letter box and open the door.
- Finally, don't forget to lock all windows and doors before you go out.
2. A sparkling home is a safer home
A good spring clean doesn't just make your home look nice, it can also make it safer:
- Dust off your smoke alarm and check the batteries regularly.
- The dirt-busting doesn't stop there. Give your oven extractor hood a thorough de-greasing to remove any build-up to reduce the risk of fire.
- Remember to clear out your washer dryer filter, exhaust duct and the area underneath - this could reduce the risk of fire and flood.
3. Leave no stone unturned
And onto the garden:
- If you're good with heights, you could grab a ladder and have a look at the roof to see if there are any missing tiles or cracks in the roofing felt. While you're there, it's worth clearing any debris in the guttering (or be cheeky and ask your window cleaner to do it!).
- Have a quick look to make sure all your drains are clear.
- Scan your brickwork and if you spot any worrying cracks, you can rectify the problem as early as possible (i.e. before it gets seriously expensive).
- Clear any algae from paths, patios and decking to reduce risks of slips and trips after the winter.
- Lastly, make sure your shed and any other outbuildings are secure. This may mean replacing any locks that have rusted, and repairing any rotting or damaged window frames.
Find out more about Home Insurance from Swinton...
- Combined Home Insurance - Protect your home and its contents
- Buildings Insurance - Flexible buildings cover to suit your needs
- Contents Insurance - Protect your possessions from loss or damage