Property expert warns skipping essential upgrade could cost you thousands in future

Skipping out on security upgrades is a no-no, one expert says
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


A property expert has stressed how vital making fixes to your home are, as slipping up may cost you almost '£3,000'.

Heath Alexander-Bew, a property specialist at the Alan Boswell Group, has issued a special warning about skipping upgrades to security features in your home. Crucially, this may give rise to significant insurance problems down the line, if something were to go wrong.

"Installing British standard required security measures could be crucial to maintaining your coverage," he said. "Failing to do so could result in financial losses from burglary or theft. Ensure that your locks and alarm systems meet your insurer’s specifications to protect your home and belongings."

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Ewing Associates estimates that burglaries typically cost the average homeowner around £2,800. In 2023, there were a reported three million theft incidents and one in five people had been burgled in England and Wales, as per a previous Mirror report.

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If you're the unlucky victim of burglary, a home insurer will likely expect you to show there was 'a minimum level of security' in your home, according to the Policy Expert. This can vary depending on where you live and what insurer you use.

However, if your standard of security doesn't meet the requirements set out in policy, you risk being left without financial cover. "If the types of locks you have on doors and windows don’t meet the standard your policy indicates you need, or they are poorly maintained, or worse still not even used, then you risk your insurer rejecting any claims," the Policy Expert said.

"If, for example, you live in a higher risk crime area, your policy might stipulate locks with meet a certain standard are fitted for you to be insured." The Policy Expert suggests there are six main lock types that you can fit in your home, including the five-lever mortice deadlock which is 'most secure', and multi-point locking systems which are second best.

You can buy these from a variety of home and DIY stores including Screwfix, Homebase and B&Q. They added: "So better security can save you cash, as well as potentially from having your house ransacked."