It’s holiday season – but is your home protected?

International travel returned in a limited way on 17 May, while those not going abroad have their pick of the UK’s most beautiful staycation destinations this summer. But whether you’re holidaying at home or abroad, make sure your property is protected.

Many of us have fully embraced the national DIY craze during our year at home, while others have purchased expensive electronics and entertainment systems to while away the hours. If this is you, chances are your buildings and home contents cover may be out of date.

Investing in home improvements

Brits poured their cash into improving their homes during the pandemic, with a report11 revealing homeowners spent £55bn (or £4,035.70 each) on renovating their property between March and July 2020. Two thirds of property owners (66%) did some form of DIY during this period, with 27% doing so with the intention of increasing their home’s value.

So, if you’ve invested in your property or purchased expensive home contents this year, it could pay to check that your cover is still adequate.

Lock up tight

Failing to lock up properly when you go away could invalidate your insurance, even if you do have adequate cover. As well as your doors and windows, make sure that you secure skylights, cat flaps, gates and anything else that could leave your property open to unwelcome guests. Activating your alarm (if you have one) may also be a condition of your insurance.

Away for more than a month?

If so, you might need to take out unoccupied property cover – most home insurance policies will only allow you to leave your property standing vacant for 30 days.

11money.co.uk, 2020

As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.