Window Security Myths & Why Insurance Won’t Pay Out

Posted 17th April 2016 by Helen LeachWhen it comes to contents insurance for your home and business, it’s extremely important to read the terms and conditions carefully. There are a number of reasons that insurers cite when they refuse to pay out an insurance claim and these are often based around window security.

In this blog, we show you how our products can ensure that your insurer won’t use your window security as a loophole to avoid paying out on your claim.

1. Secure your windows
   

Many home and business owners don’t realise that the slightest oversight when it comes to their security can render their insurance cover obsolete. If the insurance provider deems that insufficient security precautions were in place at the time your claim occurred, such as failing to fully secure windows, then the incident may be considered to be your fault and your insurer may reject your claim.

As a result, it’s important to that home and business owner to ensure that their premises are sufficiently secured each day and night and also read the terms of their policies carefully as different windows may require different kinds of locking – and forgetting just one lock could invalidate the policy.

For those who are unsure about the type of locking their windows need, for peace of mind, it may be sensible to look at an added alternative. Retractable Window Grilles provide an extra layer of security to your business or property and are an effective visual deterrent to vandals and burglars but also provide a tough physical barrier against vandalism or break-ins.

Alternatively, the Window Shield provides an invisible yet highly secure glass protection product for those searching for a window security solution that won’t compromise the aesthetics of a building and can be a permanent fixture which solves the issue of forgetting to secure the window.

2. Notify your insurer of changes to your window security

It’s important to remember that any changes, even small ones and changes which benefit your security, could render your insurance cover useless if they are not declared. During your insurance application you will be asked about the security features on your home or business. Should these change at any point, for example, if you change your window locks or window security features, you must tell your insurer.

Failing to inform your insurance provider of these changes could invalidate your policy in the event of a claim. Equally, improvements to the security features of your home or business could lower your premium, for example Insurance Approved Retractable Window Grilles, so it is always worth informing your provider of any changes.

3. Even window security has its own fine print

In some cases, you may find that certain insurers will request or require window locks to be installed that are from an approved product list, depending on the nature of the business. Again, here, communication is key. Whether you have these approved locks or not, it is important to let your insurer know, as this will adjust your premium. As long as you have been honest and accurate in your policy declarations, then your insurance will be valid.

A case of an insurer not paying out due to window security fine print recently occurred to a well-known Manchester-based media agency. Here, the insurer refused to pay out on a claim after the business property was burgled as technically the sash windows on the property did not have the specified locks.

4. Window smashing 
   

Should your window have been smashed, in many cases, your insurer will automatically assume that valuables have been left on display. Wherever possible, it is best to ensure that all valuables are out of sight.

Roller Shutters hide your valuables from sight and provide a tough physical barrier that offers an aesthetically pleasing but strong visual deterrent.

Of course, having the right kind of security systems in place should ensure that you don’t have to make a claim. For this reason, investing in the safety and security of your property and everything within it must be a priority.

 

For more information on window security for your home or business, speak to one of our specialists via email or give us a call on  0161 413 0766.