"Last year, one member of Paymentshield’s panel of insurers saw a 76% increase in claims for malicious damage coming through in the weeks following Halloween"
As people, young and old, take to the streets to enjoy the scariest – and darkest – time of year, it may be worthwhile to advise your clients to protect their homes from the living, as well as the dead.
A small amount of spooky revelry doesn’t do anyone any harm, but homeowners need to be on their guard to protect their properties from eerie wrongdoings. Last year, one member of Paymentshield’s panel of insurers saw a 76% increase in claims for malicious damage coming through in the weeks following Halloween, compared to the average number processed in the previous five months.
With this in mind, Paymentshield says mortgage advisers are perfectly placed to educate their clients on the value of how to protect the homes they live in and offers the following tips:
Tricksters take things too far – while it’s more of an American phenomenon, no one should assume they’ll be safe from egg-throwing, having loo roll hung from their trees, or worse! Thankfully any ‘tricks’ that cause malicious damage to your client’s home, Paymentshield will cover as standard under its buildings policy, meaning they can rest assured that damage from an overzealous zombie won’t leave them facing a financial horror story!
Devilish dealings – now the clocks have gone back and the nights are longer than an eternity in damnation, insurers tend to see an increase in break-in and burglary claims. What’s more, increased street activity alongside a surge in the number of people coming and going means your clients may not be as likely to notice anything, or anyone, unusual around their property. Therefore, clients should be advised to protect themselves by stepping up their home security at this time.
Boozy banshees – Halloween isn’t just for kids! If homeowners are planning on hosting a Halloween bash, then its best for them to make sure that if their guests stray too far into the ‘dark side’, their prized possessions don’t end up paying the price. Advise your clients to keep valuables hidden away, or talk to them about the benefits of accidental damage cover for if the worst happens.
Wicked witches – If any witches or other frightening creatures decide to run amok in your client’s garden, it’s good to know that any damage caused to trees, plants, hedges and lawns by anyone unlawfully on your property are covered. This is one example of where home insurance is not all the same as this isn’t covered by all providers.
Skeleton keys – This is the one time of year you don’t want to be left out in the cold. So, just in case your clients lose their keys while out roaming the streets, Paymentshield’s buildings and contents cover will ensure that the locks are changed on external doors and replacement keys provided.
Conniving clowns – With dressing up comes the difficulty in ensuring your personal items stay safe whilst out and about. Costumes aren’t renowned for their secure pockets and places to stash wallets or phones away, exposing these valuable – but small – items to a much greater risk. Optional personal possessions cover is ideally placed to cover this unfortunate possibility, so be sure to make sure your clients are aware of the benefits of this valuable cover so they can be safe in the knowledge that the items they carry about their person while away from the home can be replaced if lost or stolen.
