burglar alarm

Home alarm systems have become increasingly commonplace in South Africa however unfortunately many clients do not realise that their insurance cover may be invalidated for a number of hours every day as a result of the alarm not being set.  Non-compliance with the alarm condition endorsed on the majority of house contents insurance policies is often one of the major reasons insurers repudiate burglary and theft claims.

 

There are of course a number of valid reasons why a home alarm system may not be switched on but it is important all clients are aware that if their insurer requires an alarm or any other home protection device to be installed at the insured premises; that this is always in working order and activated when the property is left unoccupied. If the policy is endorsed with an alarm endorsement, insurers will generally accept no excuse when the property is left unoccupied and the alarm is not set as required.

 

For example, most homeowners do not want to give their alarm codes to their domestic workers even though they do trust them with keys to their homes and allow them to lock up and leave before they get home from work. However, if the property is broken into between the domestic worker leaving and the insured arriving back from work, the loss may not be covered if the alarm was not set.

 

If your client does have a domestic worker but is not willing to divulge their alarm code to them then suggest other options so that they can at least ensure that their home alarm is set at all times. A simple solution is for the client to provide her with a remote control unit to set the alarm once she leaves the house. However, as always, it is important to check the terms and conditions of the underlying policy before providing such advice to your client.

 

We also suggest that policyholders do a full background check on any new employee they allow onto their property. Very often, we find the majority of burglary and theft claims can be traced back to employees of the insured or workers who have been granted temporary access to the property.

 

If it is a requirement for your client to have an alarm installed then it is also important to make sure that the system is tested on a regular basis. It is the responsibility of the policyholder to keep the alarm system in full working condition and if a theft takes place because the alarm was faulty or the back-up battery was flat once again the client runs the risk of having their claim repudiated.

 

There are a few simple steps that clients can take, such as testing the system regularly themselves by activating it on purpose, asking the alarm company to service the system on a bi-annual basis; and switching the electricity off to see if the battery is a working condition.

 

While there are conditions that must be followed, alarm systems are a very important home security tool in South Africa and from a financial perspective, clients can often receive a premium discount from their insurer if they have an alarm system in place.

 

Perhaps even more importantly than the cost saving, however, is the fact that it provides an effective early warning system. An alarm system is one of the best risk management tools available to homeowners in South Africa and the value from a personal safety perspective should not be underestimated.

 

There are a number of other measures clients can take to protect themselves and their property such as burglar bars and security gates; beams in gardens; electric fencing which can also act as an alarm system and Pin Lock sliding doors.

 

Whatever method your client decides to use to protect their home, make sure they are aware that if they specify any protective measures with their insurer these must be turned on and working every time they leave the house.