With one in nine Kiwis saying they don’t lock their front door, home security is an issue homeowners should think about.
The Collen whānau learned about the importance of taking preventative measures when they appeared on episode seven of AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ.
Hosts Jayne Kiely and Paul Glover were tasked with finding the Collen whānau a centrally located new build or renovated home.
When AA Insurance expert Tom called in to chat with Bettie and Andre the house hunters hadn’t given much thought to home security and the moving process.
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“Hi, I'm Tom from AA Insurance,” he says in the episode. “Thanks for having me over today. So you're looking to buy your first Kiwi home? Are you excited?”
“I am,” says Bettie.
“Have you considered anything about your home security at all?” Tom asks them. “We haven’t thought about anything like that,” Bettie replies.
A range of home security options
When you’re house hunting, look at the current security of the home and any opportunities to make enhancements. Taking preventive measures can help keep your home and contents secure.
“I'm not sure if you're aware, but one in nine Kiwis don't actually lock their front doors. So it's really important to take preventive measures,” Tom says to Bettie and Andre. “You’ve obviously got your security alarms. You’ve got cameras, you’ve got sensors, you’ve got window locks, [and] you’ve got deadbolts.”
“Yeah we’ll be looking into some cameras,” says Andre. “I think that would be a good idea. Is there anything else I need to consider?” he asks Tom.
Tom tells Bettie and Andre to think about precautions they can take when moving into their new home. “Normally, when you move into a new property you buy electronics or some expensive items. And what I would recommend is, once you’ve unpacked it all, making sure you break those boxes down and put them out just the day that they're due to be collected so that people don't know you have all that new stuff.”
While it’s common to invest in new appliances and furniture over time, it’s important to account for that increase in value in your contents sum insured. Regularly reviewing your sum insured can help ensure you have enough cover to replace your belongings if you come to make a claim. Your contents sum insured is the total amount your contents are covered for. Online contents calculator like this one aainsurance.co.nz/insurance-calculator can help you calculate the value of your contents.
Taking precautions when you go on holiday
Tom recommends that Bettie and Andre take precautions when they go on holiday. “And then if you do go for a longer trip, I'd recommend if you've got a local neighbour or a friend who you are comfortable with, let them know that you’re going away so they can keep an eye on the property for you,” says Tom.
“And with your bins, make sure they're just put them around the back of the property. Just so it shows the property’s lived in.”
If you have a trusted friend or family member who lives locally, let them know when you’re going away and give them a contact number so they can get in touch if anything happens. You may want to ask them to take a few actions to make it look like someone is at home, such as collecting your mail, mowing the lawn, or parking in your driveway. Tom also recommends calling your insurer before going away for longer periods. “So if you are going away for a long period of time, it's really important to call your insurer. You can make sure you confirm the cover that you need is in place. Make sure that all your details are up-to-date, and make sure you've got their details should you need anything while you’re away.”
Bettie and Andre thank Tom for his advice. “That's good advice. Thanks for being here Tom,” Bettie concludes.
You can watch the Collen whānau’s episode of AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ on TVNZ+
New episodes of AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ air Sundays 7.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+
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