homeowners preventing holiday thefts

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• in a recent survey 52% of those polled said they never use their home security system
• 27.6% said they rarely or never keep the outside of their house well lit at night.
• Homeowners can help reduce holiday home burglaries by using their home security systems and attaching motion detectors to their outdoor lights.
• If you plan on being out of town during the holidays, do not advertise it.
• 40% of holiday travelers fail to stop their newspaper and mail service

Tips on how to reduce thefts and burglaries from your home:

1. Do not place gifts or valuables where they can be seen from a window
2. Burglars sometimes pose as delivery men to gain access to your home, ask for identification.
3. Be wary of strangers who ring your doorbell and say they have lost their pet and they think the pet is in your backyard. While you go to look they may burglarize your home.
4. Keep your home well lit and shrubs trimmed below window level.
5. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the internet to prevent identity theft.
6. Keep garages and tool sheds locked. Burglars are not shy about using your tools to break into your home.
7. After the holidays avoid leaving boxes on the curb from big ticket items.

More Tips on How to Reduce or Prevent Holiday Theft from your home


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homeowners insurance for holiday hosts travelers

Homeowners Insurance, Home Insurance
Homeowners Insurance Advice for Holiday Hosts and Holiday Travelers
from Insurance Journal
If you're hosting friends and family this holiday season, it might pay to check your insurance first, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. Better to know in advance what is covered and what isn't when hosting that Christmas dinner or New Year's party.

"None of us like to think about what might go wrong, but making sure you have the right insurance for your family, home and cars is an easy way to protect yourself during the holiday season and all year long," said Dean Martinez, acting secretary, IDFPR. "With so much going on this month, taking a minute to review insurance coverage can provide peace of mind."

The number of insurance claims rise during the winter months � auto accidents, home damage caused by bad weather, faulty wiring, increased crime � including identity theft, and accidents resulting from overindulgence, Martinez said.

The following tips provide guidance for Illinois residents hosting holiday celebrations or traveling this year:

* Homeowners Insurance -- Homeowners insurance policies include coverage for your dwelling and personal property contents against perils such as fire, as well as liability insurance to protect you if you become legally liable for someone's bodily injury or death, or damage to their property. Some homeowners' policies also provide coverage for other expenses, such as identity theft.

* Social host legal liability � According to Illinois law, social hosts who provides alcohol to guests and then do nothing to prevent an impaired person from driving or causing injuries to themselves or others, or damage to property might be liable for damages. Before hosting a party where you will serve alcohol, ask your insurance agent or company if your homeowners insurance policy covers you for social host legal liability. Most homeowners policies currently provide coverage for social host liability claims. If not, it may be possible to purchase insurance coverage for special events such as a large holiday party, wedding reception, etc.

* Winter weather � Besides protecting guests and family members from accidents, by taking care to keep your sidewalk and driveway free of ice/snow and making sure your home is in good repair; you can prevent claims against you and your insurance company. For the rest of this article : Holiday & Travel

from: Insurance Journal

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