How to Beat the Burglar

By: Corazon Kopchick Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Home insurance policies are calculated on the amount of risk to which your house exposed verses the value of your house. The insurance company will pay out if you suffer a theft but as it is difficult to reduce the value of your house, one of the best ways of reducing the cost of your insurance is to reduce the level of risk to which your house is exposed.

The first thing that you can do to make your house safer is consider the points of entry. You should make sure that your windows are secure and fitted with locks that meet the industry standard. Do not leave them open or unlocked when you leave the house. If you do have locks that meet the industry standard you may save money on your premium as a result.

You should also watch out for the strength of your doors. There are any number of different types of locks and bolts that you can fasten to your front door, but if they do not meet the industry standard you can guarantee that they won?t save you money. Beware of glass panels that someone could break in order to open your front door, and if you have such a panel make sure that it is as secure as possible.

If you are considering getting new locks make sure that you check with the insurance company. You may be able to save money on your premium if the new locks meet their requirements, and there is little point paying for new locks if you could get a slightly different set that will save you money in the long run.

Whilst the security of the lock is vital, the lock is only as secure as the frame to which it is attached. Make sure that you check your frames regularly and if they need replacing make sure that they are. It?s possible you may get a cheaper insurance policy if your frames are in good condition.

Another deterrent to burglars is an alarm system. You should get a system through a company that is registered with the NACSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems) as this is the industry standard. Bear in mind that an alarm can only notify you that someone has broken in, not keep them from doing so ? though the obvious presence of an alarm may act as a deterrent.

If you are going away on holiday, don't make it obvious. Whilst this won't save on your insurance premium, it may reduce the risk of suffering a break in. If you have milk or newspapers delivered make sure that they?re cancelled, and if you have a timer switch it can give the appearance that you are at home and the presence of light in a house will often deter a burglar.

Home insurance policies do not have to be expensive, and if you do your research even in the current climate you can get some very good deals. Co-Operative Insurance is a good place to look at the moment.