Declare extra security for home contents insurance benefits, over-50s advised

Thursday, 3 Sep 2009, 5:35pm
Declare extra security for home contents insurance benefits, over-50s advised

New research by home insurance provider Rias has shown that nearly a quarter of all property owners over the age of 50 are concerned about their safety from burglars.




Elderly property owners who have taken steps to reduce the risk of burglary at their house should make sure their home contents insurance provider knows about it, according to one firm.

Rias, which offers home contents insurance to the over-50s, said that premiums could be lowered if the provider is aware of any extra measures households have taken, such as deadbolts on front and back doors and key locks on any windows.

Research by the firm has shown that 23 per cent the older generation are more concerned about burglary than they were a year ago, which is no surprise given the rise in home thefts in the last 12 months.

Janet Connor, managing director of Rias, said: "It is concerning that one in four over-50s are anxious about the threat of being burgled, despite attempts by the government to reduce people's fear about having their homes invaded by thieves and opportunists.

"By fitting specific locks to windows and doors, consumers will not only benefit from increased security, but may also qualify for extra discounts from their household insurance provider," she added.

One expert recently warned that with burglaries on the rise in summer months, households should make sure their property is covered if the worst happens while they are out of the country.

Writing for the Daily Mail, personal finance editor Jo Thornhill claimed that insurers are advising any holidaymakers to update their home contents insurance policies in order to avoid "heartache".


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