Open Windows 'Risk Home Insurance'

• News
• Published: 01 Jul 2009 in Household and Home Insurance

A leading insurer has warned that homeowners are risking invalidating their home insurance by leaving windows open during the summer.

According to Swinton, 81% of 2,000 customers questioned did not know that leaving windows open when out of the house could risk them being able to make a home insurance claim.

A further 72% said that they had left their house while windows were still open.

Of the people who did leave windows open 23% said they were concerned about leaving their pet home alone in the hot weather.

But the insurer has warned that people are running the risk of attracting burglars to properties which appear easy to break into.

Steve Chelton, from Swinton said: "Each year there are thousands of burglaries as result of people not carrying out basic safety measures, such as locking window and doors.

"Even though the hot weather makes us relaxed, we should not become complacent with the safety of our homes. At Swinton we advise everyone to ensure that their windows and doors are locked before leaving the house, even if just popping out for a few minutes."