Christmas Break In Prevention Tips for Homes in Ireland
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for property claims in Ireland. Homes are often full of new gifts, many people travel to visit family, and early darkness gives thieves more opportunity. Knowing how to protect your home and what contents cover includes can provide real peace of mind during the holidays.
Why Break Ins Increase at Christmas
The Christmas period creates a perfect storm of risk. Houses are full of valuable items such as phones, laptops and jewellery. Many homes are empty for long stretches while people visit family or attend nights out. Thieves also take advantage of darker evenings and predictable routines. Insurance companies across Ireland generally see a yearly rise in theft and attempted break ins during December and early January.
How Contents Cover Works
Contents cover protects your belongings if they are stolen or damaged. This includes electronics, clothing, furniture, jewellery and Christmas gifts. When a claim is made, the insurer will usually look for:
- Proof of ownership
- Receipts or valuations for high value items
- Photographs or serial numbers, where possible
- Evidence of forcible entry
Most policies apply an excess. Some will have limits on items such as jewellery or bikes unless they are listed separately. If you buy expensive Christmas gifts, it may be worth checking your policy limits to ensure everything is fully protected. You can also check out our contents insurance page for more details.
Keep Receipts and Valuations
If you want a fast and fair claim settlement, you need documentation. Keep receipts, emails and order confirmations for all high value gifts. Jewellery and watches may require a valuation. If you are giving gifts to someone else, it is helpful to take a quick photograph before wrapping them, so you have a record in case something happens.
Essential Steps to Reduce the Risk of a Break In
Secure All Entry Points
Check windows, back doors, patio doors and side gates. Thieves often enter through weak points around the side or rear of the property where they will not be seen. An alarm system reduces the risk of a break in and may also help lower your premium.
Be Careful With Social Media
Avoid posting real time updates when you are away from home. Many break ins occur when thieves know the property is empty.
Keep Gifts Out of Sight
Leaving wrapped gifts in front of a window is an easy invitation. Store presents in a cupboard or wardrobe until closer to Christmas Day.
Use Timers for Lights
A house in complete darkness for several evenings in a row can look unoccupied. Timers on lamps can help create a lived in appearance when you are away.
Lock Sheds and Garages
Power tools and bikes are often taken at Christmas because they are easy to sell and usually stored outside. Some insurers will only cover these items if the shed or garage was locked at the time of the theft. Make sure all outdoor storage areas are securely locked.
Do Not Leave Packaging Outside
Large boxes for televisions, monitors or gaming consoles tell thieves exactly what is inside. Tear up packaging and place it inside your bins or bring it to a recycling centre.
What Insurers Actually Pay Out For
Home insurers usually settle claims based on the cost to repair or replace the item with something of similar quality. If the item is old, heavily worn or no longer available, the payout may reflect that. Most policies only cover theft when there are signs of forced entry, such as a broken lock or damaged window. Some policies may cover certain types of theft without clear damage, so it is important to check your policy.
If the property is left unoccupied for a long period and the insurer’s conditions are not followed, the insurer may limit the payout or refuse the claim. Many policies have specific rules for empty homes, such as keeping heating on a low setting or turning off the water at the mains, so it is important to check your policy criteria.
Protecting Your Home While Travelling
If you are visiting family or taking a Christmas trip, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house. Leave a car in the driveway if possible. Check your policy for any rules around empty homes. Some insurers have specific conditions if the home is vacant for more than a set number of days.
When to Review Your Home Insurance
Christmas is a good time to check your cover. If you have bought expensive gifts, made home improvements or added new electronics, you may need to update your contents sum insured. You can review different property cover options on Compare Insurance Ireland to find affordable policies from trusted insurers in the Irish market.