UK homeowners reduce home contents insurance at a time when domestic burglaries are on the increase

According to the Home Office, domestic burglaries recorded by the 43 forces in England and Wales in the three months to the end of June rose to 67,000 compared with 65,200 in the same period last year. Homeowners need to take better home security precautions to protect themselves against burglary and theft, following the news that domestic burglaries have risen by 2.8% in the three months to the end of June.

New claims analysis from Sainsbury’s Home Insurance reveals that during the same period, the number of home insurance claims for theft, which includes domestic burglaries and thefts of items such as bicycles from outside the home, decreased by 13%, and it is warning that this could be a sign that fewer people are taking out home insurance policies.

Research undertaken earlier this year by Sainsbury’s Home Insurance revealed that in the last 12 months, nearly an estimated million (946,000) people have either cancelled their home contents insurance or reduced the amount of cover they have as a direct consequence of their financial situation.

According to Sainsbury’s Home Insurance, theft currently accounts for around 15% of all home insurance claims. Sainsbury’s Finance is urging homeowners to take better precautions with their home security.

Ben Tyte, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Manager, said: “A rise in burglaries may not be a surprise during a recession but what is alarming is the decrease in theft-related claims over the same period which we fear may indicate that fewer people have adequate home contents cover in place. A significant proportion of all home insurance claims relate to theft, and we would urge homeowners to make sure their home security is up to scratch and that they have adequate home contents cover.

“The average home insurance claim for theft is currently around £1,370 and in many cases is much higher, which goes to show that if you are not insured, becoming a burglary victim could severely hit your pocket. ”

Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers the following advice for homeowners:
• Easily visible window locks can provide a good deterrent
• Remove keys from locked windows and doors
• Invest in an exterior security light that switches on when it detects movement
• Buy a burglar alarm that is easily visible and approved (look out for British Standard BS4737) and make sure you activate it when your home is left unattended
• Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats
• Make sure your home insurance policy covers valuable items such as bicycles or laptops outside of the home
• If in any doubt, contact your local police station and ask your local Crime Prevention Officer to visit

Sainsbury's shoppers are rewarded with double Nectar points on their shopping in store, online and in petrol filling stations for two years when taking out Sainsbury’s Home Insurance. Customers who spend £50 a week with Sainsbury’s and have Sainsbury’s Home Insurance as well as a Nectar card would receive £52 worth of Nectar points a year.

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 by direct debit
• Maximum no-claims discount of up to 30%
• No-claims discount protection(5)
• Cover for accidental damage - even by pets

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