MONEY COMMENT
Watch Out For Burglars At Christmas Time

By Jane Mack (TMFJane)
December 4, 2003

If you're anywhere near finishing your Christmas shopping then you've probably got some expensive presents lying around the home. You might even be so eager to get the party started that you've already wrapped them up and put them under the tree.

Quite apart from the fact that you'll have a mass of dried-out pine needles to clear up in about a week's time, you'll also be making it very easy for any burglars to locate all those pricey PlayStation games you've bought for your son as well as that multi-region DVD player that you're hoping will result in shrieks of delight when the wrapping's torn off on Christmas morning.

If you haven't already done so, then now's the time to check your home contents insurance according to Royal Liver Assurance. If you don't comply with the requirements of the policy and you're unlucky enough to fall victim to thieves, your claim could be invalidated.

If you're not convinced then think back to poor old Cilla Black's experience over the summer. Her recent £1million insurance claim for stolen jewellery was rejected because locks hadn't been fitted on the downstairs windows - breaching policy conditions.

So, Royal Liver's top tips are:

• Check your insurance policy to make sure you meet all the required security measures
• Check to see if you get extra cover for contents over the Christmas period
• Check to see if it covers possessions and presents you've taken with you when visiting family and friends
• Keep presents away from places that can be easily seen such as under the tree or on window sills
• Close the curtains and leave lights on if you're out at night

Burglaries do tend to increase during the winter months, particularly around Christmas. So make sure you're properly covered for insurance purposes and that you comply with the policy requirements so that if the worst happens, you're not left with a bundle of wrapping paper and nothing to use it for.

Find out more about Home Contents Insurance.