Have you got Christmas covered? |
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The definitive guide to a trouble free holiday period |
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| Once again Christmas is just around the corner. With present-buying and turkey-basting keeping us busy, the last thing we need to worry about is burst pipes, theft or floods. | |
| Here at 1stQuote Insurance we’ve put together a short guide to help you ensure that you’re covered this Christmas. So follow the tips below for a peaceful and merry Christmas. | |
| Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree… | |
| It may seem ridiculous but make sure your Christmas tree is secure: a leaning tree is a vulnerable tree. Every year hundreds of insurance claims are lodged due to falling trees or even worse a tree that catches fire due to faulty electrics or bargain-bin Christmas lights. Also be wary of open fires. They may be warm and welcoming but flying sparks can be a serious safety hazard for young children, pets and Christmas trees. The bottom line is to ensure that your insurance policy covers you for external events that may arise during Christmas, including tree disasters. | |
| It’s not enough to hide the presents - cover them too! | |
| Believe it or not sometimes presents under the tree will not be covered under your home and contents insurance policy as they may increase the value of your home content. If your home was broken into and the presents stolen, or waterlogged by flash flooding, Christmas may be ruined. Most reputable insurance brokers or direct insurers will cover you for most eventualities but be wary of those that don’t. | |
| Home Alone | |
| Unlike the film you’re unlikely to forget to take your children on holiday this Christmas but if you’re going to leave your home alone for a while don’t forget to turn off your water supply to prevent pipes freezing or bursting. You’d be amazed at how many people return from a relaxing Christmas break to discover frozen pipes with no running hot water or heating. | |
| Is your car winter-proof? | |
| Make sure you do a thorough winter-check on your car before travelling any distance this Christmas. It can be a pain, but just imagine getting stranded in the middle of nowhere on the way to Christmas dinner. | |
| Check your car insurance policy - Read the small print! | |
| This is crucial. Some policies only cover your car when it’s parked in the your garage. If you are forced to park it on the roadside when you have visitors make sure it’s covered against theft and damage. All reputable insurance companies will highlight this to you when you buy the policy. Don’t just find the cheapest deal and expect to be covered - READ THE SMALL PRINT! | |
| And remember to check you have breakdown cover as well as your regular car insurance policy - what could be worse than a flat tyre on Christmas morning? | |
| Don’t drink and drive | |
| Without trying to preach to the masses this is actually a very important consideration, especially in the festive season. Not only are you putting yourself and others at risk but being caught will seriously jeopardise your chances of getting car insurance in the future. | |
| ‘How much is that doggy in the window?’ | |
| Puppies always make good Christmas presents - just imagine your child’s face when a puppy emerges from behind the Christmas tree. But don’t forget that a pet is for life, not just for Christmas - and as such, arranging insurance for your pet could prove to be a very wise investment, not only for your pet but for yourself. Vets bills are not cheap and pet insurance could be the perfect New Year tonic. | |
| Escaping the winter blues | |
| If you’ve had enough of the terrible weather this year and you’re going abroad, make sure you get travel insurance. This is vital in case of illness, loss of valuables, or flight cancellations, so you can be sure to have a merry Christmas holiday. | |
| Who should know that you’re away? | |
| Let your neighbours know if you’re away this Christmas. They will be able to keep an eye on your house while you’re gone to minimise the chance of break-in or theft. It’s also a good idea to cancel any deliveries, like milk, mail and newspapers. If they pile up, it’s a sure sign you’re not at home. | |
| A top tip to ward off the burglars is to install timing devices on your house lights. Your lights go on and off at certain times of the day giving the impression that someone is at home. | |
| Last but not least… | |
| Don’t let holiday stress dampen your Christmas spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends, and neighbours and enjoy a happy and hassle-free holiday! | |
| About 1stQuote | |
| 1stQuote offers online instant quotes and insurance cover across a variety of products including car, bike, home, travel, caravan and even provides cover for pets. The company has over 30 years experience as an insurance broker and is backed up by a substantial call centre operation. 1stQuote also offers a money back guarantee, which ensures its customers are receiving some of the cheapest insurance quotes on the market. |