7 ways to protect your Bermuda home from break-ins while you’re away

It’s no surprise that break-ins are stressful and expensive — but the good news is they’re often preventable. Whether you’re heading off the island for a long weekend or the whole season, it’s important to take some steps to secure your home and protect it from break-ins.

1. Consider installing a security system or cameras. While this can be pretty expensive, especially if you install a monitored system with a monthly fee, it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your home year-round — not just when you’re away. Most home insurance providers, including BF&M, offer discounts to homeowners who have installed security systems, which can help offset the cost. There are also relatively inexpensive but effective security cameras you can set up yourself, which you can monitor from your phone no matter where you are.
2. Don’t leave a spare key hidden outside your home. While it can be tempting to keep an extra key tucked under your doormat, inside a potted plant, or under a fake rock, these are predictable spots where a thief is likely to check. It’s best to avoid leaving an extra key anywhere outside of your home.
3. Move valuables out of view. If you’re going to be away for a while, consider moving desirable items such as electronics and jewellery away from your windows. You should also store smaller high-value items and cash in a safe or another secure location, such as a safety deposit box at your bank.
4. As much as possible, make it look like you’re still home. Position your window coverings exactly how you typically keep them, set up timers on your lights so they come on when you’d usually be home at night, have your yard maintained regularly by a friend or a lawn-care company so it doesn’t become overgrown, and ask a trusted neighbour to bring in your mail and newspaper each day so it doesn’t pile up.
5. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to regularly visit your home and check that nothing looks out of place. Or, if you’re away for an extended period, have someone you trust move in and keep an eye on things. Some insurance providers have requirements for how often your home must be checked on while you’re away, so review your policy and make sure you understand what’s needed before you go away.
6. Double check that you’ve locked all windows and doors, including the garage, shed, and other outbuildings. The last thing you do before you set off on your trip is take a final walk through your home and double check that your windows and doors are securely closed and locked. If your doors have deadbolts, use them, and consider adding security bars to sliding doors and windows for an extra layer of protection.
7. Avoid sharing travel plans or vacation pictures on social media. This one might be tough, especially if you have kids, but it’s important to remember. Posting about your vacation online can tip off potential thieves and let them know you’re away, so it’s best to save your social media posts until you’ve returned home.

Protect yourself with home insurance from BF&M

Sometimes a break-in happens, even when you’ve done all that you could to prevent it — and that’s where home insurance comes in. Home insurance from BF&M will reimburse you for repairs to your property if it’s damaged during a break-in, as well as replacement costs for your belongings that are stolen. If you have high-value items in your home, such as jewellery, artwork, or collectibles, be sure to name them in your policy, as they might not be included in your standard coverage. Get a free quote and purchase home insurance from BF&M or, if you’re an existing customer and want to update your coverage, contact our customer service team at +1 441 295 5566 today.