Holidaygoers urged to 'protect' property

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Holidaygoers urged to 'protect' property

Thu 24th May 2007

Holidaymakers are being encouraged to make sure they take sufficient measures to prevent a costly incident occurring at home while they are away.

Over one million homeowners are believed to return home to a problematic situation each year, facing total costs of £2.3 billion.

Research from Halifax estimates that Britons lose out to the tune of £820 million each year due to burglaries, while water leaks are believed to cost more than £960 million to repair.

One of the biggest problems homecoming holidaymakers face is from a fault with a utility, such as central heating, hot water and gas or electricity, which collectively costs Britons some £220 million to fix.

Commenting on the findings, Vicky Emmott, senior manager of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "As well as making sure they are insured there are lots of other practical things that holidaymakers can do to protect their properties whilst they're away."

Other recommended measures include checking the details of a Halifax insurance policy before going away, ensuring pipes are suitably protected and leaving a key with a trusted neighbour.

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