House 'guests' can be insurance headache

Sandi Adams.Photo/John Stone.

Northlanders should be careful who they invite over this Christmas season because if something gets stolen, insurance may not cover it.

AA Insurance is warning holiday-makers to be wary when they open their doors, whether it be to friends, acquaintances or someone doing work around the house.

Giving a person consent to come inside means they are considered a "guest". The same goes if they are invited in by other people living in the household.

"If you're having a party and are concerned about your valuables, then take steps to keep them safe and out of view, monitor who is invited into your home, and be careful not to extend an open invitation to people whom you have not met," said AA head of customer relations Suzanne Wolton.

One AA customer lost $7800 worth of jewellery and alcohol when her teenage son had a party that got out of hand.

Even though the son did not know some of the guests, the thefts were not covered because he willingly let them into the home.

Another had her credit card, watch and clothing stolen by a handyman who was painting her bathroom. Because he had permission to be on the property, she was not covered.

Whangarei Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Sandi Adams said thieves were doing the rounds, knocking on doors to see if houses were empty for the holidays. If someone answered, they often asked to use the phone.

"If it's anyone you don't know, just don't let them in. [Thieves] also drive down driveways and then quickly zoom out, and if they do that people should get their registration numbers. That's the biggest tool police have got."

Tips to stay safe included locking your doors and keeping Christmas trees out of the windows so thieves were not tempted by the promise of other people's Christmas presents, she said.

According to a recent AA Insurance home security survey, four in 10 New Zealanders have experienced a break-in or burglary, with close to a quarter of break-ins happening when people were away for more than 24 hours.

"It's a good rule to tell your neighbours when you're away, so they can keep an eye out for people or vehicles around the property that aren't normally there," Ms Wolton said.

"However, refrain from announcing that you're on holiday on social media."

Police are also calling on people to be vigilant on Christmas Day.