This omission could become a cost trap

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Lerato Khumalo

If you are going on holiday for a longer period of time, you should inform your home contents insurance company. Otherwise, in an emergency, it could be quite expensive.

Put lights on a timer, empty the mailbox and open and close electric shutters: anyone going on holiday should know and use these tips to prevent burglary. Because nothing is more inviting for burglars than an apartment that has obviously been abandoned for a long time.

And yet, all security measures cannot always reliably deter thieves. In an emergency, home contents insurance at least protects those affected from the financial consequences – if the insured person pays attention to important points.

Anyone who goes away for a long period of time may have to report this to the insurer so that their insurance cover is fully maintained, according to the Association of Insured Persons (BdV). The extent to which and from what length of absence insured persons are obliged to report such a so-called increase in risk is determined by the insurance terms and conditions. If you are unsure, it is better to ask the insurer directly.

Incidentally, the failure of the alarm system or scaffolding mounted on the house are also regularly considered to be an increase in risk. According to the BdV, anyone who fails to meet their obligation to report the matter to the insurer must expect that the insurer will reduce or completely refuse to pay out in the event of a claim.

Anyone who notices burglary damage upon returning from vacation should immediately inform the police and then the insurer. Because without confirmation from the police, no home contents insurance will cover burglary damage. Those affected should coordinate the next steps with their insurer and leave the damaged area unchanged until the insurer approves the claim.

In order for the police and insurers to quantify the damage and understand what was stolen, a so-called stolen goods list must also be drawn up. If you regularly document your possessions in photos and videos and keep receipts, this will make things easier in an emergency.

Good to know: Even if you become the victim of a burglary at your holiday destination, your home contents insurance offers protection – for example if your belongings are stolen from a locked hotel room or a locked holiday home. However, according to the GdV, the compensation limits and exclusions vary from provider to provider.