We’re all familiar with the anxiety that comes with locking up our homes and hoping they stay protected while we’re away working, holidaying or gallivanting.
From securing ladders and bikes to clever hacks to hide the fact that you’re not at home, here are four tips to help minimise those worries.
1) Opt for smart lighting
A house plunged into darkness is a big giveaway when it comes to alerting people to the fact that you’re not at home. For the app lovers among us, smart lighting is a genius solution. With smart lighting systems, you can adjust your lamps remotely from an app on your phone, setting timers as appropriate and giving you complete control. Setting mood lighting while you’re away that turns off periodically to mimic your normal activity in the home will make sure that no one from the outside will suspect your absence.
2) Consider home insurance
All-in-one protection that keeps you connected to home even while you’re away such as Sky Protect's Smart Home Insurance combines Smart Tech and Home Insurance to help you to spot little problems before they become big ones.
The package features a tech bundle worth £250*, which includes a video doorbell, indoor camera, leak sensors, two contact sensors and a motion sensor, all of which will help look after your home by sending an alert to your phone immediately, wherever you are. And if something does go wrong, you can rest assured that your cover with Sky Protect’s five-star Defaqto-rated home insurance is in place. It also comes with Home Emergency, Family Legal and even Cyber Cover – in case of a cyber attack on your personal devices – all included as standard. Plus your monthly price is fixed for two years if your cover stays the same – win, win.
3) Think about your social media settings
Sharing your holiday highlights is a great way to let your loved ones know you're having a great time, but be mindful about how far and wide you document your fun. If your social media profiles are on a public setting, it could mean that your absence is an invite for unwanted interest in your home and valuables.
4) Don't forget your outbuildings
Garages, sheds and outhouses containing tools or bikes are often easy targets, so make sure the windows are secure and they’re locked using robust padlocks to make the chances of bolt cutters succeeding far less likely. For even more peace of mind, secure ladders and step ladders to the wall using a chain and padlock to ensure these can’t be used to gain entry to your home.
Find out how Sky Protect Smart Home Insurance can increase your home's security here.
*£250 correct August 2023; based on market comparison data. See sky.com/techprices
Home insurance underwritten by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Wifi & Sky Protect App required. Eligibility criteria, cover limits & T&Cs apply. 18+. UK Only. Excluding Northern Ireland. Further terms apply. Go to sky.com/protect for details.
The views expressed are those of the Digital Spy, comments relating to Smart Home Insurance are based on information provided by Sky Protect.
