Press Release
12 January 10
Home alone properties leave the door wide open to burglars
Over a third of home insurance policies do not cover absences of more than 30 days.(1)• Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers 60 days’ "unoccupancy" cover as standard
With winter upon us and the continued economic doom and gloom, new research from Sainsbury’s Home Insurance reveals that around 4.1 million Brits are jetting off for extended breaks of at least 30 days or more over the next 12 months(2), leaving their homes unoccupied. Sainsbury’s Home Insurance warns that if they are burgled they may not be covered because 36% of home insurance policies don’t provide cover once a property has been left empty for a month or more. In contrast to this, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers 60 days’ unoccupancy cover as standard.
Over the next 12 months around one in ten (9%) people are likely to jet off on an extended break of at least 30 days, leaving their properties unoccupied. Whilst a large proportion of these people will visit family and friends in the UK and abroad (37%), a substantial number (30%) are planning an extended trip to travel the world. A further 26 per cent will be taking an extended holiday to escape the British weather.
Ben Tyte, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Manager, said: “With the excitement of an extended break, it’s easy for people to get distracted and fail to check their insurance policies. We would advise anyone who is planning such a break to inform their home insurance provider and check that they are still covered by their policy whilst they are away. This really is essential and even applies if you have arranged for a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the house.
"We find it extremely alarming that more than one in ten people (13%) taking extended breaks will advertise their absence by updating their status on social networking websites, a number that rises to 34 per cent amongst those aged 25 to 35 years. A further 9% of people will leave a message on their home telephone or mobile to notify callers of their absence, Sainsbury's Home Insurance strongly advises against these practices."
The research from Sainsbury’s Home Insurance found that the over 65s make up the majority of extended break travellers (1.1 million). Londoners are also most likely to be planning a lengthy break away (14%).
Sainsbury’s Home Insurance provides 60-day unoccupancy cover as standard. In the event of a home being left unoccupied for more than 60 days, providing that they are informed, the Bank will provide cover for an increased premium, as this reflects the additional risk and, as long as the customer adheres to the below points:
• Use all locks and security devices on all external doors and windows.
• Set your burglar alarm if you have one.
• Turn off the gas and electricity at the mains. If you have a burglar alarm, only turn off the gas supply.
• Arrange for your home to be checked at least every two weeks by someone aged 16 or over at the time.
In addition, during the months of October to March (inclusive) homeowners must turn off the water supply at the mains and drain the water and heating systems. If you wish to heat your home throughout this period and your heating system uses the water supply you do not need to drain the system providing the heating is thermostatically controlled and is switched on and set to maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.
| Age Group |
Percentage of people in this age group who intend to leave their homes unoccupied for 30 days or more over the next 12 months |
Percentage of people in this age group who intend to leave their homes unoccupied for 30 days or more over the next 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| 18-25s | 14% | 747,000 |
| 25-34 | 11% | 816,000 |
| 35-44 | 4% | 378,000 |
| 45-54 | 6% | 497,000 |
| 55-65 | 8% | 561,000 |
| 65 and over | 12% | 1,098,000 |
|
Reason for leaving your home unoccupied for 30 days or more |
Number of people who plan to do this over the next 12 months |
|---|---|
|
Visit family and friends |
1,526,000 |
|
Escape British weather |
1,084,000 |
|
Backpacking or extended holiday |
1,214,000 |
|
Career break |
274,000 |
|
Job purposes |
330,000 |
|
Study purposes |
292,000 |
|
For health reasons |
297,000 |
About Sainsbury’s Home Insurance:
As well as being competitively priced, the bank also offers an extensive range of cover and benefits. This includes:
• Unlimited buildings cover
• Unlike some home insurers, Sainsbury’s Bank does not apply charges for customers paying their premiums monthly
• No-claims discount – you may be eligible if you have been claims free for 5 years or more.
• No-claims discount protection(3)
• Cover for accidental damage - even by pets(4)
For further information, please contact:
Phil Anderson / Holly Clark
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7282 1031/2917
Notes to Editors
(1) Defaqto research commissioned by Sainsbury’s Finance, November 2009
(2) ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 2,051 adults aged 18+ by online-bus between 20th – 22nd November 2009. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
(3) Terms and conditions apply - additional premium required
Sainsbury's Home Insurance is underwritten by St Andrews Insurance ltd.
Sainsbury’s Finance:
To view our latest press releases and product information, please visit the Sainsbury's Finance online media centre at http://www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk/media.Sainsbury’s was the first major British supermarket to open a bank, commencing trading in February 1997. Benefiting from a fantastic, trusted brand that enables us to combine the shopping experience with personal finance, Sainsbury’s Finance provides a range of quality products including insurances, credit cards, savings and loans. Our proposition is to make shopping more rewarding by offering customers great products at fair prices, while consistently rewarding shoppers for their loyalty and being easy to do business with at all times. Our products consistently top Best Buy tables and regularly win awards for quality, price and service.
Sainsbury’s Finance recent awards include Best Online Credit Card Provider / Best Direct Home Insurance Provider, Your Money 2009
Sainsbury's Finance is a joint venture between J.Sainsbury plc and Lloyds Banking Group.
Sainsbury’s
For further information and general Sainsbury’s Finance enquiries customers can call the freephone number on 0500 40 50 60 or visit http://www.sainsburysfinance.co.ukNotes to editors/webmasters
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