We are a nation of hoarders, but how can you beef up your home security when your stash develops into a valuable collection of rarities and antiquities?
Your valuable collection could be anything from stamps and fine wines to Beatles memorabilia or Hornby train sets and Mecanno construction kits. Beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder, but their value is something you should get independent advice on.
And, if your collection does develop into an Aladdin’s cave of costly curios, you will probably need to take out non-standard house insurance to keep them adequately protected. Read this helpful blog to find out what’s not covered by standard household insurance.
As well as suitable insurance, there are a number of other ways to help improve your home security and keep your collection safe, even if it is only of sentimental value. The most important thing is to make your house look lived in, even when it’s unoccupied. Read this handy blog on how to keep your home protected when it is unoccupied.
As well as the obvious ways of making a home look lived in, such as fitting PIR lights outside and having lights on timers indoors, you should ensure post isn’t allowed to build up in a letter box. You may need the help of a trusted neighbour to keep your letter box clear if you are to be away from home for a while.
Regularly photograph items and update records of your collection
Photograph and log every item in your collection. Store the list in your place of work or somewhere else away from home in case of fire.
Update your portfolio regularly and include independent valuations and receipts. You will need it if you make an insurance claim or you need to report missing items to the police.
Other ways to improve home security and keep your collection safe
Here are some quick and easy ways to improve your home security.
- Fit reliable dead-bolt door locks and sturdy window latches.
- Ensure all windows and doors are shut and locked at night and when you are not at home.
- Keep hedges trimmed to the level of your window sills as tall hedges can give cover to burglars
- Get an intruder alarm fitted and set it whenever you leave the house.
- Choose an alarm that you can isolate to individual rooms and install one where your valuables are kept.
- Get CCTV installed to cover all around your property.
- Fit a peephole with a magnifying lens on the front door.
- Close and lock garage doors to prevent access to your house.
- If all your collection is stored in one room, fit an additional lock on the door and leave it locked as a matter of habit.
- Don’t leave notes on your front door advising delivery drivers that you’ll “be back in five minutes”.
- Don’t leave a spare key outside your property.
- Think abiut setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group.
Insurance for your valuable collection
Adrian Flux specialises in non-standard household insurance and will be able to find you a value for money high-value home insurance policy to keep your collection protected. Call 0800 369 8590 for a swift no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.