Aussies take a relaxed approach to their home security ahead of the holiday season

17 December 2018

New research from Allianz Australia reveals the classic Australian ‘she’ll be right’ attitude could be costing people dearly when it comes to protecting their home and personal belongings this holiday season.

The national survey found that one in 10 Australians (11%) openly admit to leaving their windows and doors unlocked when they go away. A further one in three households (29%) are without contents insurance, with over a quarter (27%) believing they’re at low risk of needing it.

These finding come as Allianz data shows a 25% increase in the average cost of home claims in the five years to the end of 2017 - due to everything from natural disasters to robberies.

Allianz Australia Chief Technical Officer, Donna Walker, said: “As a nation, our homes are our pride and joy, yet our optimistic nature means we don’t like to think anything could happen while we’re away for the holidays”.

“Unfortunately, Australians aren’t immune to the risks that come with owning or renting property.”

“Skipping on security precautions such as setting alarms or locking-up, as well as not being mindful of potential damage while you’re away, can be a recipe for disaster, and certainly not the welcome home we expect when returning from the Christmas break.”

The research also revealed that when embarking on a holiday or weekend away, nearly half of respondents (48%) leave their blinds and curtains wide open to prying eyes; two-thirds (66%) fail to hide away their valuables; and, when it comes to setting a precautionary security alarm, only around one in five (23%) reported doing so.

The area in which we live was found to influence the home security measures we take, with the survey revealing:

  • City dwellers (30%) were more likely than country dwellers (11%) to set an alarm when going on holidays;
  • Country dwellers (54%) were more likely than city dwellers (45%) to tell their neighbours about travel plans to ensure there’s a watchful eye on their property; 
  • Country dwellers (42%) were more likely than city dwellers (39%) to ask a neighbour to bring in the mail - a full mailbox is a telltale sign to potential burglars that you’re away.

"Whether or not you’re planning to go away this holiday season, it’s a timely reminder to all Australians to take note of their valuables and review their security measures, like window locks and alarm systems,” said Walker.

“It’s also important to take steps to avoid damage to your property while you’re away. Things like unplugging electrical appliances can not only help reduce your energy bill but can protect your electrical appliances from power surges in the event of a storm.

“Make sure to turn off the water to washing machines and dishwashers to avoid water damage in the all-too-common event of a hose bursting while you are away.

“Finally, a quick check of your policy cover, especially ahead of an extended trip, is an important step. You can relax and enjoy your time away after clarifying whether or not your most prized possessions - be those jewelry, a television or your laptop - are protected.”

Allianz recommends Australians regularly review their contents insurance. Some handy tips include:

  1. Secure your house: lock windows and doors, close blinds, set an alarm (if you have one), and ask a trusted neighbour to take in your mail and check on your house while you are away.
  2. Create a contents inventory that lists important items in your house. 
  3. Take photos (or a video) of every room in the house using your camera or a mobile phone. Don’t forget to include outdoor areas. 
  4. Save your inventory and videos/photos online, or keep a hard copy in a fireproof safe. 
  5. Use an online contents insurance calculator to help you work out the value of your home contents. 
  6. Review your insurance policies annually or after major purchases and the Christmas gift giving season, including adding new and portable items such as mobile phones, jewellery and bicycles.
For any media enquiries, journalists can contact our contact our Media team.
Allianz Australia has been securing the future of our customers in Australia since 1914. We deliver a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products and services to more than 4 million policyholders. We also provide support for workers' compensation insurance to around 25% of the top 200 ASX companies, making us one of the leading workers' compensation insurers in Australia.

Allianz Australia Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the worldwide Allianz Group. The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life, and health insurance to assistance services, credit insurance and global business insurance. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are among the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 (“Allianz”). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.



Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.