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Having a clear plan - fire prevention
One of the main causes of damage to homes is fire, and having a good plan for fire prevention can be a great premium reducer.
- Install Australian Standard 3786 fire alarms in every room, and make sure to change batteries once a year. It is now the law in NSW to have at least one fire alarm in every house
- Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen
- Regularly rake up dry laves and dead wood from the garden and especially around the house
- Keep gutters clear
- Make sure garden hoses are attached to taps, are in good repair, and reach all parts of the house and garden. They have saved many houses during bushfires
- Put out recycling regularly – don’t allow paper and cardboard to pile up
- Store all chemicals, such as pool cleaners, away from the house
- Keep a torch and portable radio with spare batteries handy
- Mark all sources of water on your property and contact the local rural fire brigade to let them know what they are. They will then be more aware of your property
- Keep an emergency bag ready with a first aid kit and emergency supplies, such as water and food
- Make sure all gas outlets are maintained regularly
Showing an insurer that you have fully prepared your property for fire will help to reduce your premium. Take photos to illustrate your work whenever possible.
Storms are also a major cause of damage to buildings. You can reduce the risk of flooding by ensuring that gutters are clear. Also, check with your local council before removing large limbs from trees growing too close to the house.
Step two – covering your contents
Making a full list of what is in your home can be an arduous task, but it can pay dividends in the unfortunate event of a fire or burglary.Taking photographs of all valuable property in the home is a good first step. This not only goes some way towards proving that you actually own items, but can make it easier for others to visually identify them. Engraving serial numbers is a great deterrent for theft as well. Check if your insurer has a system for keeping your serial numbers on file.
Having a good security system is also a way to reduce your premium for home contents insurance. It’s a good idea to ensure that the system is in some way visible, such as with a sign on the front gate. Most burglars, being opportunists, often go for easy targets.
Good security also means solid locks on doors and windows, and making sure that gates and fences are in good repair. Locking garbage rooms is also increasingly important.
Prevention is better
Make sure the whole family is aware of an emergency plan. Designate a place to meet if there is a fire, so that all family members can be accounted for. Keep a list of important numbers on the fridge, including fire, ambulance, police and the poisons information centre. Good preparation can potentially save lives - as well as saving you money.
