Contact:
Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director
NW Insurance Council
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@nwinsurance.org
Follow at twitter.com/karljnewman
darrin.sanger@nwinsurance.org
Follow at twitter.com/darrinsanger
Lock out thieves while on vacation; safeguard
your home, belongings
SEATTLE - Sitting poolside at a vacation hotspot is not
the place where you want to worry about the protection of
your home because you didn't take the time to appropriately
secure your property.
Most burglaries occur in July and August. Homeowners
Insurance claims for theft total about $1 billion annually,
with the average claim around $2,500.
In 2008, there were an estimated 2.2 million burglaries
- an increase of two percent when compared with 2007 data.
Burglary accounted for 22.7 percent of the estimated number
of property crimes committed in 2008.
"A few simple precautions will make your home a lot less
attractive to burglars," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance
Council president, "and you'll be able to relax a little
more while you're away."
Standard Homeowners Insurance generally
covers the theft of most personal belongings and damage
associated with burglary.
However, jewelry, furs, art and other expensive belongings
typically have $1,000 to $2,000 worth of coverage. To protect
your high-dollar items to their full value, you can purchase
special coverage with no deductible.
As you plan a fun and relaxing vacation this summer, take
time to safeguard your home and belongings by following
these tips:
- Standard Homeowners Insurance policies normally cover
damage and theft caused by burglars.
- Lock all doors and windows. Sliding glass doors have
weak locks. Install a bolt lock and place a broomstick
or dowel in the inside door track.
- Make your home look less attractive to thieves. Leave
blinds open in their usual position. Leave a little
trash in your garbage can. Arrange to have your lawn
mowed or your walk shoveled. All of these tactics can
give burglars the indication that someone is home.
- Stop all mail and newspaper deliveries. A stuffed
mailbox or a pile of rolled newspapers in front of the
door leaves a clear impression that you aren't home.
- Trim hedges next to your home so burglars do not have
a place to hide.
- Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan
to be away and when you expect to return. Have a friend
or neighbor keep an eye on your home and property.
- Do not hide keys in secret places outside your home.
Experienced burglars usually know where to look.
Call your company or agent to find out what your policy
covers and the costs involved.
For free brochures on Homeowners Insurance and how to protect
your home from burglary, contact NW
Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education
organization funded by member insurance companies serving
Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
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