It may sound obvious, but before you do anything else, make sure you have comprehensive car insurance and home insurance in place. If you have any insurance-related questions, please do contact us - our expert insurance advisors will be more than happy to assist.
Although the first two items on the list below can be done the minute before you leave, the rest of the items on this list cannot be left until the last minute. Try to complete most, if not all, of the tasks at least two weeks before you go on holiday.
1. Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances
Make sure to unplug any unnecessary appliances (e.g. TV, coffee maker, kettle) to protect your home from possible power surges or fire.
2. Lock all doors and windows
Double check that all doors are locked and that all windows are shut properly.
3. Contact your alarm company
Let your alarm company know that you are going on holiday and do a final check to make sure that the alarm, all motion sensors as well as the electric fence are in working order before you leave. Make sure to set the burglar alarm when you leave on holiday.
4. Install exterior lights
If possible, try to install exterior lights activated by motion sensors a few weeks before you leave. This may deter criminals from targeting your property.
5. Use a timer switch
Consider using a timer switch to turn your lights on at random times of the evening, rather than programming this to switch off and on at the same time every day.
6. Safely store all jewellery and valuables
The best option would be not to store any jewellery or valuables in your home whilst you’re away. However, if you have no choice in the matter, make sure to lock these away safely.
7. Take your car for a roadworthy inspection
Take your car for a roadworthy inspection and make sure the tyres and breaks are in good working order. Double check that each tyre has adequate tread (1mm of tread). In our opinion, it’s best to replace your tyres if the tread is below 3mm limits as this directly affects the tyre’s ability to function properly.
8. Check the condition of your windows and wipers
Inspect your windows for any chips or cracks and have these fixed before you leave on holiday. Also, check that your window wipers are in good working order.
9. Check the condition of the spare wheel
Make sure that the spare wheel is in a good condition and that you have all the necessary tools to be able to change a wheel and tyre on the road.
10. Invest in safety equipment
If you do not have a reflective triangle in your car, it may be best to pop to the shops and buy one before you leave on holiday. In addition to this, you can also invest in a good quality flashlight that you can use to warn motorists that your car has broken down.