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Protect your new holiday gifts

So, you received amazing holiday gifts from your family and friends, and maybe even yourself. With even more valuables in your home, you’ll want to keep them safe from theft and accidental damage or loss. Here are some tips to help you protect your new high-value gifts throughout the year and get the most out of your home and renters insurance.


1. Prevent theft

Across BC, homes are filled with expensive new ‘merch’ and thieves will be looking for easy targets. Here’s how to keep the Grinch at bay:

  • Don’t place product packaging outside your door or on the curb, this advertises what’s inside your home. Dismantle retail boxes before you put them in the garbage or recycling.
  • Gift cards = cash. Don’t store them in predictable places such as a desk or kitchen drawer. Keep them locked in a safe if you have one or another hiding place. Make note of gift card numbers and retailer contact information in case you need to report any lost or stolen cards.
  • Don’t leave garage-door openers inside your car for thieves to find and use to get into your home.
  • Ensure entrance doors and windows, along with their locks and deadbolts are good quality.
  • Keep entrance ways well-lit using motion detector lights. Consider installing a security alarm.

2. Prevent damage or loss within your home

Bad weather or mishaps can happen that can damage your home and belongings. Here’s what’s key to preventing accidents such as fire, water leaks or other water-related damage from happening:

  • Keep your home’s exterior and interior well maintained, including your roof, gutters and draining system to prevent damage from natural elements such as strong winds and heavy rains.
  • Keep plumbing, heating and appliances well-maintained to avoid water leaks, household floods and fire.
  • Ensure fire alarms work properly and replace batteries every six months. Test your alarm monthly.

3. Let your home or renters insurance work for you

Take a fresh look at your home insurance policy and make sure it covers all of your belongings, including your new high-value holiday gifts.

  • Add any new high-value gifts and purchases to your insurance coverage.
  • Renters can insure their belongings and valuables through BCAA Renters Insurance. A landlord’s insurance does not actually cover renters’ personal items.
  • Create an inventory of your valuables. Knowing what you own and having proof can reduce stress should you have make a claim. Keep all receipts and take photos or videos of your belongings, including any serial numbers.
  • Assess the value of your personal items so that you know how much it may cost to replace them. Certain items like jewellery, bicycles and golf equipment can have maximum levels of coverage under basic insurance. Talk to your insurance advisor about getting extra coverage for their full value.
  • If you can, mark or engrave valuable items for identification so they’re harder for thieves to re-sell and can be returned to you if they’ve been found after having been stolen.

4. Find ways to save

  • BCAA offers discounts if you bundle your BCAA Home Insurance and BCAA Optional Car Insurance.
  • BCAA Members can save up to 20% on BCAA Home Insurance. Join as a Member for less than $8 a month to start saving.
  • Ensure you’re getting value by weighing out product features and exclusions, not just price. Get a BCAA Home Insurance quote now.
  • Take measures around your home to prevent theft, damage or loss. You may qualify for BCAA Insurance discounts if you’re claims free.

5. Not sure what’s valuable? Here are some examples:

  • TV, gaming consoles
  • Laptop/desktop
  • Camera and camcorder
  • Bicycle and other sporting equipment (golf, skis, snowboard, etc.)
  • Gift cards
  • Jewelry
  • Tools

6. Start the new year off right!

Protect yourself from the financial impacts of losing your household goods, including your new holiday gifts. Speak to a BCAA Insurance Advisor who can help start you off on the right track this year.