Top Tips For Protecting Your Valuables

• Guides
• Published: 06 Oct 2009 in Household and Home Insurance

Most of us receive gifts from time to time, whether for a birthday, Christmas or for no particular reason at all. But with a monetary and often a sentimental value attached to your valuables, we’ve put together some top tips to ensure your belongings stay right where they are meant to be, with you.

1: Photograph and write a brief description of your valuables:  Take note of any unusual features or marks that could help you identify the item in the future should it be stolen and subsequently put up for sale.  Being able to properly describe your items is essential when claiming on your insurance policy and may help you claim back the full value.

2: Keep a copy of the images you take: Keep photographs in print and electronic form and leave a copy with a friend of family member. This way, if your computer gets stolen you still have proof of your belongings to show to your insurance company. Websites such as Flikr are also a useful way to store your images but ensure the web page is password protected so your precious items are not on show to all and sundry.

3: Consider stamping a traceable code on your valuables: If you do happen to be the unfortunate victim of theft or burglary all may not be lost and investing in a solution such as SmartWater may help you get them returned in the long-run, although there are no guarantees. This is simply a colourless liquid stamped on your valuables which is naked to the eye but under ultraviolet light it glows, making it easy for the police to detect if it turns up in for sale.

4: Always be aware of distraction burglars: Burglars will try anything to gain access to your home if they think it’s going to be worthwhile. They will try to gain entry to a property by distracting the homeowner as well as by using force and remember they also often target the elderly and vulnerable so be on your guard. Make sure for example, your wheelie bin is not placed beneath a window which would allow potential burglars an easy route into your home. Also, simple things such as enhancing the lighting over any dark corners in your garden will also act as a deterrent, as will a strategically placed security camera.

5: Keep all your valuables locked safely away: Try to keep all your valuable items in a safe place that is not clearly visible to prospective burglars. You may keep your jewellery in a drawer in your bedroom but experienced burglars know all the common hiding places, so if possible, invest in a safety deposit box or even better a safe. Remember some insurance companies will insist valuables be locked away and only taken out when worn, so bear this in mind when planning were to store them.