- Aviva claims data shows that household theft claims rise when the clocks go back
- Halloween is the worst day of the year for malicious damage to the home
- Bonfire Night is worst day for home burglary
Almost half (47%) of pet owners worry more about their furry friends when leaving the house than getting burgled, according to home and pet insurer Aviva. In comparison, just 29% worry more about burglars and a quarter are not concerned about either.
The new research from Aviva* found that animal loving Brits don’t like leaving pets home alone in case they get lonely (39%), create a mess (18%) or make a noise (13%). And 16% are worried that their precious pet might be stolen.
Other homeowner worries include leaving a door or window open (36%), fire (24%) and malicious damage (15%). Also, 15% of women, and 4% of men, are worried about leaving hair straighteners on.
But two-thirds (64%) don’t believe darker nights put them at greater risk of burglary, even though Aviva claims data shows that household theft claims rise when the clocks go back – hitting a peak on Bonfire Night which sees 21% more burglaries than an average day.**
Simon Warsop, home and pet insurance expert at Aviva said: “Britain is undoubtedly a nation of pet-lovers but as the nights get darker home security should be paramount. Burglars are more likely to break into homes under the cover of darkness so don’t make it easy for them. Now is the time to install outside security lighting, double-check windows and doors before you go out and consider a home security device.
“There are some really innovative, simple and affordable home security devices on the market today. We’re working with Canary, whose mobile home security devices are the size of a pint glass and work using smartphone technology via an app.” ***
Aviva Claims Data
- Halloween (31 October) is the worst day of the year for malicious damage to the home with claims soaring by 160%. It is also one of the worst days for car thefts (up by 28%).
- Bonfire Night (05 Nov) is also one of the worst days for malicious damage to the home, with 56% more claims. It is also the worst day for home burglary – 21% higher than the rest of the year. Unsurprisingly, it is also one of the worst days for fire claims with 56% more than on an average day.
Aviva Top Tips to deter burglars
- If you are hosting a Halloween or bonfire night party in you back garden make sure front windows and doors are locked.
- Leave a radio and lights on to give the impression that people are at home.
- Use a timer switch to turn lights on as it gets dark.
- Avoid telling strangers who know your address – such as delivery men – that your house is likely to be empty.
- Put your car and bikes in your garage or out of the way for the night and don’t leave your keys in an obvious place.
- Move garden ornaments and potted plants from the front of your house and out of sight.
- Make sure sheds, garages and outbuildings have robust locks.
As part of National Home Security Month (October 2015) Aviva has teamed up with innovative home security system provider, Canary, to give away 500 of its devices to new home insurance customers.***
Download our infographic: How secure is your home? PDF (0.1MB)
Ends
If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:
Katy Hurren | Aviva Press Office | 07800 692548 | katy.hurren@aviva.com | @Katy_Hurren
John Franklin | Aviva Press Office | 07800 692110 | john.s.franklin@aviva.com
Notes to editors
* Aviva commissioned polling with OnePoll of 2,000 UK 18+ adults surveyed online between 7th -9th October 2015– unless stated otherwise.
** Ten year’s worth of Aviva Claims Data 2005-14
*** New customers who purchase home insurance direct from Aviva, either via www.aviva.co.uk or by telephone, between 00:01hrs 01 October and 30 November 2015 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of 500 all-in-one home security devices from Canary. Aviva website: http://www.aviva.co.uk/home/canary-promotion.html Canary website: http://canary.is/
About Aviva
- Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 34* million customers, across 16 markets worldwide
- In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
- Aviva’s asset management business, Aviva Investors, provides asset management services to both Aviva and external clients, and currently manages over £245 billion in assets.
- Aviva helps people save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life; we paid out £24.6 billion in benefits and claims in 2014.
- By serving our customers well, we are building a business which is strong and sustainable, which our people are proud to work for, and which makes a positive contribution to society.
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* Before the deduction of overlapping customers.