Protecting your art over the holidays
Don’t have a nightmare before Christmas – read our 12 seasonal tips to prevent loss and damage not only to your art & collectables, but to your household as a whole.
Roughly 60% of standard contents insurance claims are due to human activity rather than natural circumstances and the majority of this is theft. Art and collections are also susceptible to damage during thefts, even if they are not the items taken in a burglary. Research by insurance companies has shown that theft claims increase by 12% on the 19th and 20th of December, as many criminals look to steal items to pass off as gifts they have purchased or pawn for cash ahead of Christmas Day. Burglaries also spike on New Year’s Eve, with theft claims up by 28 per cent.
1. If you are travelling during the holidays, try not to advertise that you are away. Cancel newspapers and any other deliveries, or make proper arrangements with your neighbors to receive any deliveries you are expecting. Don’t have things left on your doorstep as this may invite thieves. Try not to tell too many people when you are away but do ask a trusted neighbor to watch over your property. Consider who may have access to messages about your travel plans that you put on social media.
2. Even if you are not travelling, avoid advertising your presents to opportunistic burglars. Don’t leave piles of presents under your Christmas tree if it can be seen from outside. If you are concealing large, expensive gifts until Christmas Day (eg bicycles in a garden shed), make sure they are secure.
3. Remember that your rubbish can advertise what you now have in your home. Don't leave the packing materials for expensive items or from specialist dealers outside for long periods. If you want the bin men to take them away, put them outside at the last moment.