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Beware of household risks as Chinese New Year approaches
With the Year of the Tiger about to arrive, many people have already started house cleaning and sourcing seasonal goodies. Yet, we should not neglect household safety as we prepare for the New Year. After all, this is a peak season for burglary, not to mention the many unfamiliar faces entering our buildings to deliver goods and gifts. Besides remembering to lock doors and windows before leaving, it is also advisable to minimise cash and valuables on hand. For better peace of mind, it is best to purchase home insurance as added protection for household contents.
Typical home insurance plans will protect against loss from burglary, with as much as over HK$1,000,000 in protection against loss of or damage to household items if one is unfortunately burgled. If doors and windows were forcibly pried open or damaged, household insurance would cover the cost of repairs or replacement and installation.
However, the insured persons should be aware that most home insurance plans have maximum benefits for loss of or damage to specific items, such as collectible watches, paintings and other valuables. For maximum protection, it is recommended that coverage be increased for such valuables by providing the insurance company with itemised costs.
To provide more comprehensive protection, some home insurance plans offer extra benefits, such as coverage for personal injury caused by burglars or robbers. During burglary or robbery, if a family member sustained an injury or even died as a result, the insurance company would provide burglary/robbery allowance and/or accident benefit.
Some home insurance plans extend protection to include domestic helpers, common among local households. The insured person can consider home insurance plans with optional coverage for domestic helpers. Benefits include employees' compensation, hospital and related expenses such as room and surgery fees, out-patient consultations and dental expenses. These can help alleviate the employer's legal responsibilities in respect of domestic helpers.
Even as the joyous New Year brings hope for the future, we need to remain vigilant and arrange for a suitable comprehensive home insurance plan, thus giving us and our families peace of mind.
With so many choices in home insurance, it might be helpful to search online or contact an insurance agent or broker to better understand the relevant details. Comparing the scope of coverage offered by different plans can help you choose one that best fits your needs.
If you have any queries regarding different home insurance plans, please feel free to contact us 
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