Just in case you’ve been sleeping under a rock these last few weeks, property owners need to be alert to a very real threat. Apparently, at this time of year, a man, described as being very large, unshaven, of indeterminable northern origin, often smelling of alcohol, (yet also seen operating a vehicle), appears to be able to enter people’s homes and premises, seemingly at will!
With a fair bit of previous, he’s known to the authorities and goes by various aliases such as Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Chimney John, St Nicholas and Sinterklaas, to name just a few. He appears to be able to travel domestically and internationally with impunity, leaving little to no trace of how he’s managed to breach regular household or business security.
That said, he quite often leaves clues behind that ‘he’s been’, but curiously, rarely takes anything other than mini seasonal bakes and perhaps a carrot – which, granted, is an unusual combo. He’s also been known to wash it all down with a snifter of malt or more alarmingly, a glass of milk.
What’s interesting about this situation from a brokerage point of view, is that insurers, globally, seem to have collectively turned a blind eye to these break-ins. Or if not break-ins, at the very least, these persistently successful circumnavigations of a property owner’s usual attempts to keep their properties, families and businesses secure, and uninvited visitors, out.
Unfortunately, not all visitors at this time of year are as benign as our elusive, northern friend. There are plenty who are willing to take advantage of people’s seasonal positivity towards others. People who, consequently, perhaps drop their guard a little lower when compared to their usual, high standards throughout the rest of the year.
Break-ins and burglary are horrendous crimes for the victim, both from a practical and emotional point of view. But from a financial perspective, at least property and business owners can rely on their insurers to cover any losses or costs.
Or can they? Because just as we’d like to think we can rely on our insurance, insurers would like to think they can rely on property owners to take reasonable and sensible measures to keep their properties secure. There are several scenarios whereby if property owners don’t take these steps, then an insurer may reject a claim or at least only make a partial payment.
For example:
Windows left open: properties need to be ventilated more in winter months, but an open window is an open invite to someone with intent. Ventilation can be achieved through trickle vents.
Keys left in window locks: the basics have been done but the invite is still there. It’s all too easy to break a window and then unlock it to gain easy access.
Keys left in front, bi-fold, or conservatory doors: as above. Breaking glass is easy and unlocking the door becomes even easier, which becomes a very efficient and exit point. All keys need to be removed from window locks and doors and hidden from view.
Keys left in view: removing the keys is a sensible first move but placing them on the windowsill or table next to the door or window is still providing an appealing solution to a very motivated burglar.
Inactivated security systems: declaring alarm or CCTV systems on a statement of fact but neglecting to activate them is a surefire way to get into a bunfight with an insurer. You’ve declared that you’re going the extra mile to protect your property, so they regard you as a safer bet, which may be reflected in the level of premium. If you fail to honour this agreement… well, if the roles were reversed, would YOU be inclined to pay out?
And it’s pointless trying to hide these errors after the event. Even a novice loss adjuster would be able to tell how entry was gained, and trying to hide it could be regarded as attempted insurance fraud. If anything will land you on the insurance naughty list, it’s that.
There’s one other thorny issue that’s worth reflecting on, which although not directly related to security, impacts thousands of property and business owners every year – and increasingly so, given recent hikes in inflation – that of underinsurance.
Let’s consider the following scenario:
A client advises they have £50k of computer equipment. There’s a break-in and everything is taken. A loss adjuster is appointed, visits the business and finds the value of the computer equipment is worth £100k. The business owner is therefore 50% underinsured and insurers will ‘apply average’ and are only obliged to pay out 50% of any amount claimed. The client receives £25k yet has to find another £75k to replace their computer equipment.
That could mean the end of the business in some situations.
A good broker will help guard against this situation, and will always spotlight this scenario to their clients… if only we knew someone..?
Oh, and if you do happen to suspect our multi-named, northern friend is in mid-visit to your property, Police advice is not to approach him. Not that he’s dangerous, but he’s believed to compile a list of people he regards as naughty. And no one wants to find themselves on that!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, good night!
Photo credit: iStock
