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Securing your holiday home during winter!

January 2025

 

Securing your holiday home during winter will not only protect it from cold weather and storms but will also reduce the risk of a break-in.

A little time and effort now can go a long way to saving a lot of hassle and money in the future.

By following our top tips and preventive measures you should be able to relax a bit more, safe in the knowledge that you've done your best to protect your home whilst it's unoccupied.

So, before you lock up, carry out these checks to secure your holiday home during winter.

 

External checks:

  1. Store Outdoor Items: Put any outdoor furniture, tools, and loose garden items in storage—ideally a garage or shed. Lock away anything that can be blown about by strong winds or stolen.
  2. Secure Sheds and Garages: Ensure sheds, garages, and gates are securely locked with strong padlocks.
  3. Install Security Measures: To deter burglars, install motion-triggered lighting, CCTV cameras, and home security alarms.
  4. Maintain the Garden: Mow the lawn before you go. An overgrown lawn is a telltale sign of an empty property.
  5. Check Heating Oil: If leaving the central heating on, ensure sufficient oil is in the tank.
  6. Turn Off Gas: Turn off the gas at the mains unless needed for central heating.

 

Internal checks:

  1. Use Timers for Lights: Install timers on a few interior lights to go off at different times. This will make it look like someone is home.
  2. Unplug Electronics: Unplug all unused electronic equipment. This will reduce the risk of fire and power surges.
  3. Clean Appliances: Empty and clean the fridge and freezer, and turn off and leave the doors open.
  4. Lock Windows and Doors: Lock all windows and doors including internal doors. Locking internal doors can slow down burglars who have managed to gain access to your property.
  5. Hide Valuables: Keep all valuables out of sight. Better yet, don't leave any valuables in your unoccupied holiday home. There will probably be some exclusions in your Holiday Home Insurance contents cover when the property is empty. If your policy is with Allianz, you can check this Household Policy Document for more details.

Prevent water damage

  1. Clean Gutters: Clean your gutters before winter and fit a gutter guard to prevent water seepage and damage
  2. Turn Off Water Supply:  If not keeping the heating system running, turn off the property's water supply at the mains and drain the cold water system. Allianz requires that during the period of 1st October to 31st of March that if the property is vacant that the water supply must be turned off at the mains and the entire cold water system must be drained down. See our FAQ for more information. 
  3. Maintain Low Heating: If possible, leave your heating running low to reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing and dampening. Allianz requires that during the period of 1st October to 31st March that if the house is vacant for more than 48 hours that the home must be maintained to a minimum constant temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit. See our FAQ for more information. 

For more tips, have a read of a blog on how cold weather can affect your home.

 

Enlist Help from a Trusted Neighbour: 

  1. Regular Inspections: With Allianz Holiday Home Insurance, when your holiday home is unoccupied for over 30 consecutive days, it must be inspected both internally and externally at least once every 30 days thereafter by yourself or a person that has been authorised to do so by you. If you live far away, enlist a trusted neighbour to help.
  2. Weekly Checks: Ask your neighbour to check on your empty holiday home once a week.
  3. Driveway Parking: Have them park their car in your driveway occasionally to make the house look occupied.
  4. Manage Mail: To avoid a build-up of mail or newspapers, have your neighbour move them out of sight.

By carrying out these essential checks, you can decrease the likelihood of issues arising, increase your home's security, and enjoy peace of mind. This means less worrying and more relaxing during Christmas and the winter months.

Make sure your holiday home insurance offers adequate cover for added peace of mind. 

 

Allianz p.l.c is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. 

 

Information correct as of date of publishing. This blog will not be updated or edited so the information may become outdated.