Relax and enjoy your holiday – keeping your home safe while you’re away

The suitcase is packed, the excitement is building: it’s finally time for a holiday. But while travellers are relaxing on the beach, burglars are often at their busiest. With a few simple measures, you can significantly reduce the risk. Janna Poll, insurance expert at ERGO, shares tips on protection and the right insurance cover.

Holiday time is prime time for burglars

In Germany, a home is broken into roughly every six minutes. During the holiday season, the numbers often go up. Overflowing post, shutters that are permanently closed, or a house where the lights are never on clearly signal: no one is home. If it’s obvious that people are away for a longer period, burglars have the time and peace they need. That’s exactly what you should avoid.

Make life difficult for burglars

Burglars look for the easiest option. If it seems complicated to gain access to a property, they are often put off. These measures can help:

• Close doors and windows
  As simple as it is effective: all doors and windows, from the cellar to the top floor, should be properly locked. Tilted/open-at-the-top windows are easy entry points and should be avoided.
• Use mechanical security devices
  Additional bolts, burglar-resistant fittings or certified security windows make it harder to get in – not just when you’re on holiday.
• Remove climbing aids
  Ladders, wheelie bins or garden furniture should not be left in places where they can be used as climbing aids under windows or balconies.
• Create the impression that someone is home
  Timers or smart home systems can switch lights on and off at different times to simulate occupancy. Even better is help from neighbours or friends who empty the letterbox, occasionally move the shutters and can be seen out and about on the property.
• Take care on social media
  Posting holiday photos in real time makes it clear your home is currently empty. It’s safer to share photos once you’re back.

Burglary despite precautions: which insurance will pay out?

Even with all possible precautions, you can’t completely rule out a break-in. Home contents insurance then plays the key role. It generally covers:

• insured stolen items, usually at their replacement value,
• damage to windows and doors caused by the break-in,
• and may also include vandalism to contents following a burglary.

“Many home contents policies also contribute towards certain additional costs – it’s worth checking your own policy conditions,” explains Janna Poll. One important point: “Simple theft – theft without signs of forced entry – is not covered under home contents insurance.” It is also sensible to review the sum insured after major new purchases or a house move and adjust it if necessary. “In addition, policyholders should check whether gross negligence is covered – for example if a window was left tilted,” advises the ERGO expert.

How to respond if the worst happens

After a break-in, having a clear plan helps you stay on top of things.

1. Contact the police
   You should inform the police immediately and file a report – even if the damage appears minor.
2. Leave the property as it is
   Until the police arrive, the home should be left unchanged so that forensic work and documentation can proceed smoothly.
3. Record missing items
   Check every room and make a note of what is missing. Compile these items in a list of stolen property and send it to the police and your insurer as soon as possible. If debit or credit cards have been stolen, block them immediately using the emergency blocking number 116 116.
4. Document the damage
   Photographs of signs of forced entry and damage to your belongings, as well as receipts for stolen items, make it easier to settle the claim with the police and the insurer.