Reducing the risk of damage to your home from dangers such as fire, flood and subsidence is one the most beneficial ways to reduce your home insurance premiums. You may find it surprising what steps can be taken to protect your home and you might be be amazed at the savings that can be achieved in lower premiums.

Listed below are a few examples of how to reduce your household risks, which have been recommended by the Association of British Insurers.

How to Reduce the Risk of Fire

The second major cause of damage to your home, yourself and your family is fire. By following these simple steps you will greatly reduce the risk of fire, as well as the amount of damage that would arise from it, if it were to happen.

• Ensure that you possess a minimum of one smoke detector on each floor of your premises. It is always imperative to consult a professional so that they can advise you on the most suitable positions for the smoke detectors. It is also essential that the batteries are checked on a regular basis.
• When undertaking electrical repairs, additions and alterations to your home, then ensure that you always use a qualified electrician.
• Regularly check electrical wiring as well as flexes and cables for any wires that may be exposed.
• The most common fires are those that occur in kitchens. Never leave flames unattended.
• Be aware of fire safety rules. For example, attempting to extinguish a fire with water may result in it spreading further. Always smother fat fires.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in the home, especially in the kitchen.
• Store all flammable liquids in a secure place, preferably away from your home.
• Ensure that all rubbish is recycled or removed from the home. The more rubbish you have lying around, the more fuel a fire has to burn.
• Always take additional fire hazards unto consideration and guard your home against them. Party decorations, Christmas lights and summer barbecues are all potential fire hazards.

By taking a few simple steps you can reduce flood damage and make handling your claim a great deal easier.

• All personal belongings such as insurance and bank details can be stored in a waterproof bag so that they will always be kept safe from floods.
• It is advised to move property to higher floors of your home to prevent damage and reduce any claim on your contents cover.
• In order to prevent explosions and fire, switch of gas, water and electricity at the mains.
• Immediately contact your insurer for advice on what action you need to take.

Subsidence is one of the major reasons for home buildings insurance claims. Many different things contribute to subsidence, but there are also a number of things that can be undertaken to reduce the risk.