Insurance Corner Protecting your home against break-ins

With the warmer weather, there is usually a jump in the number of break-ins as people spend more time away from home at cottages and campgrounds. Not only does the criminal remove some of your personal belongings you are also left with the unsettling feeling that your privacy was invaded. Fortunately, there are a number of things homeowners can do to avoid becoming a victim.

"Burglars do not choose victims randomly - they look for opportunities," Most illegal entries are made by amateur burglars without the use of sophisticated tools."

The following recommendations can make your home a lot less appealing to a burglar:

Dead bolts are a must on both house and garage doors

Window bars in the basement can be an effective deterrent Patio doors can be secured with a bar in the bottom track

Give your home a lived-in look while you are away

Use automatic timers to turn interior lights on and off

If you are going out of town, have the newspaper stopped and ask a friend to empty your mailbox regularly

Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and the snow shoveled in winter

Make your home visible to passers-by and neighbours

Entrances should be well-lit and clear of trees and shrubs

Motion-detecting floodlights can deter intruders

Consider installation of a 24-hour monitored alarm system (contact your broker about discounts that may apply)

You should also never enter your home if you think a burglar might be inside. Go next door and call the police. Having your home violated by a burglar

can be a very traumatic experience. Breakins also cost Canadian Insurance companies millions of dollars each year in claims payments, and the cost is passed on to policyholders through higher premiums. Your insurance brokers are concerned about the premiums you pay. Please take the simple steps necessary to reduce your chances of being a victim of crime.

Mark Guergis, CAIB

Registered Insurance Broker

Aim Insurance Brokers Ltd. 705-4315622

General insurance brokers with offices in Innisfil and Angus. We will provide material from within our office and other members of the industry to hopefully help you have a greater understanding of home, auto, and business insurance products.