MORE TH>N BUSINESS has focused on the effects of daylight savings time can have on insurance holders, such as drivers being more likely of being involved in accidents before and after the implementation of clocks going back.

The insurance provider has also brought out suggestions on how to make your home safer during the darker days of daylight saving and lower the chance of claiming on your home insurance policy. As extracting claims from an insurance policy usually incurs a rise in the premium prices that one has to pay.

According to their research, around 729,000 take place every year and the numbers are expected to rise when the days end earlier and nightfall comes about more quickly, as this provides potential burglars with less chance of being noticed or sensed during the extended night time. The firm reiterated that ‘preventative measures’ should be taken out to minimise the risk of burglaries.

MORE TH>N advice

Head of MORE TH>N Home Insurance, Keith Maxwell commented: "Being burgled is an extremely distressing experience, so it's important to be safe and look to prevent situations that can aid a break-in. I would urge all homeowners to take the time to regularly review the security of their property."

Pointers that the company gave to lower the risk of taking out home insurance claims included securing the front and back doors to a property, even if this involves changing locks. Choosing locks that confirm to British standards 3621 or with a minimum of five levers – the better the lock, the less chance an intruder has to break in. Also fixing chains or bars at the front and/or rear door and also actually putting chains onto the doors if they are not already there can make braking in more difficult. Moreover having doors that are more durable, such as solid timber, can be better than hollow-core counter parts can be an advantage.

Locking doors and windows, even if you just leaving the home for a few minutes as well as during the night time, is another key pointer that can help to minimise claims, because if an intruder enters the house without causing any suspicion of a forced entry, insurance providers are less likely to pay out.

Homeowners be aware

Homeowners have also been advised not to leave keys near to the doors, as burglars can easily reach into the letter box if the keys are within reach. Also for people who leave spare keys outside, they were advised to leave them with a trusted friend, as intruders can be very aware of the hiding spots.

A third of trespassers, were said to use the windows to break into homes and so home owners were given the suggestion of putting window locks on, especially onto the windows that are easier to get into such as those on the ground floor of a property.

Furthermore, side doors which can provide easy access to the house from the back or side and can provide burglars with a lesser chance of being spotted; should be kept locked. Also keeping sheds in gardens, as well as garages locked can keep property and any possessions that are away from the actual home safe from theft.

Outdoor lights, many of which are motion sensors, can give intruders fewer places to hide and more chance of being noticed. The most effective choice was said to be high-efficiency, low energy lighting that is turned on from dusk until dawn.

‘Beware of the dog!’ signs were also said to be effective deterrents from burglaries as the thought of a barking dog was enough to put a potential burglar off. Even if you don’t own a dog, the sign can provide that well needed restraint. Intruder alarms were also mentioned as a good incentive, as they can provide the necessary protection to a home, when no one is in the house.

MORE TH>N BUSINESS also advised home owners to make sure that their contents insurance policies are up-to-date and that the content is insured to the right value. Many insurers require homeowners to provide a notification of any high value items in the home.