With many New Zealanders leaving their homes empty to travel during the Christmas season, the risk of theft is amplified, as well as the amount of damage major events such as fire or floods may cause. However, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) found that around one in every three households does not have contents insurance.

“Contents insurance not only covers us if we’re burgled, but for accidental damage or for major events like fires, earthquakes and floods,” said ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton. “It often also covers you for accidental damage to someone else’s property, say if you were to knock over a poorly placed BBQ, or damage someone else’s property at a campground.”

Contents insurance can also help if something is stolen from an insured’s car when on holiday. In ICNZ’s example, if someone smashed the glass in a car to steal the camping gear inside, then the car will be covered by the owner’s motor policy, while the stolen tent will be covered by their home contents insurance.

ICNZ also gave several tips on how homeowners can keep their things secure this festive season. Holidaymakers are advised to avoid advertising on social media that they’re away on a trip. Homeowners can also ask their neighbours to clear the mailbox to give the appearance that there is someone home.

Burglar alarms and security cameras are also worth investing in to provide deterrents against burglars, the industry body said.

ICNZ advised homeowners who are going to be away for 60 days or more to inform their insurer to know if the policy needs adjusting. It is also worth checking the policy to know whether things being brought on the trip will be covered, ICNZ said.

“Every Christmas, insurers pay out to put things right following thefts loss and damage,” Grafton said.  “No matter how smooth the claims process might be, it’ll never be as relaxing as not having to claim in the first place and keeping your possessions.”