What’s the best way to keep your log cabin, chalet or lodge secure when you’re not there? Our 8 tips are a good place to start.
At Lifesure, we know what your leisure home means to you. It’s a base you and your family can launch day trips from, a cosy place to hide from the rain and a space full of happy memories. And of course, you want to protect that space.
Leisure homes can be at a higher risk of burglary and theft than permanent homes. This is because they are empty more often, usually contain valuables, sometimes in remote locations, and neighbours aren’t always aware of who should and shouldn’t be accessing the property.
We are insurance brokers that specialise in helping leisure home owners find the right protection for them. We work hard to help our customers if they do need to make a claim. However, there are things you can do yourself to reduce the risk and help keep your belongings safe.
Here’s our list of 8 things you can do to keep your leisure home secure.
1. The outside
Be careful not to leave any tools or ladders lying around outside.
2. Locks and bolts
Make sure your log cabin, chalet or lodge is fitted with quality locks and bolts that meet the BS3621 standards.
3. Key safes
Key safes can be really useful is someone else is going to be staying in your leisure home. Instead of hiding the keys in the garden (not recommended at all) or leaving them with a neighbour, you can store them in the key safe. You can change the code as often as you like and only provide it to people who you want to give access to.
4. Security lights
Automated security lights are a good deterrent against thieves.
5. Alarms
Fitting an alarm is another good deterrent. Depending on the type of alarm, it’ll alert you, your neighbours or police if anyone tries to break into your property. If you do have an alarm, check to make sure it’s working regularly.
6. Cameras
CCTV can be a deterrent and a way to record anyone who tries to access your home.
7. Smart technology
There are lots of clever devices available now with extra features such as sensors that can help to improve the security of your leisure home.
8. Valuables
Either take them with you or hide them so that they’re not visible from the outside.
We know that most of these tips are just common sense. But we also know how easy it can be to forget the most obvious things, particularly if you’re busy or have lots of other details to remember. That’s why a checklist like this can really help.
Of course, we hope your leisure home is never broken into. However, if it does happen, your insurance company will be able to help.
Lifesure specialise in helping leisure home owners like you find the right insurance for your needs. We’ll help you make sure you’re covered for the things that need protecting without paying for unnecessary extras that leisure home owners don’t need.