Residential Break-ins and burglaries are on the rise in parts of New England this spring, especially in New Hampshire. Being prepared is the number one way to protect yourself and your home from this danger and to make sure you can recover quickly. The period of time after a break in can be trying and confusing if you do not have certain important information readily available to you and your New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance company. We know how traumatic a break in can be, we have been through it many times with our clients. With that in mind we have put together this list to help you be as prepared as possible.
Prepare your home to the best of your ability.
Install motion sensing outdoor lighting. Flood lights at major entry points to your home can be a major deterrent to burglars.
Lock your doors and windows! This may seem obvious, but I know at least some of the people reading this have unlocked doors and windows in their home.
Know your neighbors. If you are friendly and have a relationship with your close neighbors they tend to keep a watchful eye on your home. Also, joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group can be a great way to protect your home.
Install a security system. This can be costly but if you are serious about home safety this is the most secure way to protect your home. If you can’t afford a home security system, sometimes just putting a security system sign on your lawn can make your home less of a target.
Prepare yourself and your family from a potential burglary.
Call us to discuss your Personal Property Coverage on your New Hampshire Homeowners Policy. Do you know your Personal Property Coverage limits? How about your deductible? There can also be special limits for things such as jewelry, fine arts, instruments, and firearms so make sure your valuables are adequately protected. You also have the option of scheduling items on your policy that you would like special coverage for, or we have the option of a separate property with scheduled personal property. If you have any questions about your coverage for items in your home we are happy to answer any questions you have, no question is too small or silly. Trust us, we want you to feel as secure as possible in your insurance coverage with Downey Insurance.
Keep an inventory of things in your home. After a break in if can be hard to remember what to look for, and to figure out what is missing. Have a list of “special items” that you want to make sure are accounted for. Keeping this list at your office or safe-deposit box can make sure it doesn’t become a ”shopping list” for burglars this can also be helpful in case of a fire.
Take pictures of the interior of your home. This can be very useful for the New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance Company. In lieu of receipts for large ticket items, having photos of items in your home can help take the confusion out of what needs replacing.
Do not Facebook, Tweet or share your vacation photos before you return. This is so tempting and we are all probably guilty of this one but it leaves our home vulnerable to anyone who now knows you are away. Also have a neighbor bring in your newspaper or mail or have it stopped for your trip.
We hope that you never have to experience a home break in or burglary. Buy we all know that it is a real risk, and one of the reasons we secure New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance for ourselves and our families. If you have any questions at all please feel free to call us anytime here at Downey Insurance to discuss your coverage.