We’ve all seen it – that classic Facebook status, checking in to the airport captioned ‘See you in 2 weeks – Tenerife here we come!’

Well, how would you feel if you found out that very status was the reason for a break-in at your home? Showing off your latest holiday on social media is tempting in today’s day and age, but is it worth putting your home’s security at risk?

As more and more of us run our lives through social media, it can be easy to forget the real-life risks that sharing too much can create. Most social media apps allow you to share your location at any time, automatically telling everyone that you’re not at home – not the type of information you want falling into the wrong hands. You might think sharing your holiday status’, tweets and pictures is a great way to let your friends and family know you’re going on holiday. In reality though, you’re also letting people know that your home is empty and therefore, an easy target.

And don’t forget about posting about your expensive purchases! You’re also letting your followers know about all the nice kit that’s just sitting in your house while you’re out of the country.

Could you invalidate your insurance policy?

Unfortunately, you are at risk from having your insurance claims rejected if you have announced your plans on Facebook. The Financial Obudsman is concerned that many policyholders do not realise that insurers might check their social media accounts. It warns that anyone who does not keep their details private is particularly at risk of having their claims denied.

The reason for this is an insurer might consider they have not done enough to protect themselves against theft by making such information public.

What can you do to stop it?

The first likely answer to that is to simply stop doing it! With social media now being a part of most of our lives though, this is easier said than done. So, if you do insist on posting these updates – here’s our advice:

1. Do not automatically share location information on social media platforms
2. Never share your address
3. Consider changing your privacy settings to share information ‘with friends’ (and not friends of friends).
4. Share holiday photos after the holiday.

And to secure your home?

1. Lights on timers – lights that turn on and off automatically at certain times to give the illusion that there is someone present in the house.
2. Have a neighbour collect your mail and draw your curtains as nothing gives up the game that nobody is home like a huge pile of unread mail.
3. Don’t leave notes for delivery men etc informing them you are away.
4. Improve the security of doors by including deadbolt locks.
5. Invest in a visible security system as this is one of the biggest deterrents.

The moment you become an employer in the UK, you must legally take out an Employer’s Liability policy that covers you for at least &5 million. That is a large amount of money, and should be a strong indication of how serious it can be if an employee is injured due to negligence on your part.

In fact Employer’s Liability is a legal requirement in the UK. You can be fined up to &1000 if you fail to show inspectors your EL certificate, and failure to have an adequate policy in place can see you being charged &2500 a day in fines.

However, much like car insurance, if an accident takes place you will be glad you have employer’s liability in place.

What is Employers’ Liability and what does it cover?

Employers’ Liability Insurance is one of the main types of business insurance. Should you be drawn into a lawsuit by an employee or ex-employee for illness or injury caused by their work, an Employers’ Liability policy can assist with the payment of compensation costs and legal fees.

For example, an employee is injured when they trip over a trailing cable in the office and makes a compensation claim against their employer. The court can order the employer to pay compensation for injury, costs and other damages, which could cost a company tens of thousands in payouts. Employers’ Liability covers the cost of all the financial ramifications.

How much does employers’ liability insurance cost?

As with all insurance, the price will depend on your circumstances, such as the number of employees you have and the type of business you run.

How much employers’ liability insurance do I need

The legal minimum amount you should have is &5 million, however, most insurers will offer &10 million of cover as a standard.

The UK is home to an eclectic mixture of properties, each one presenting a unique proposition - and its own unique set of risks, meaning multiple insurance policies.

Commercial Combined Business Insurance can be tailored to meet the specific challenges and risks your business faces in its day to day activities.

A commercial combined policy is a comprehensive business cover in a single policy, bringing together a range of covers from the most commonly required to specialist policies. The combined policy is primarily designed for smaller businesses like manufacturers or wholesalers.

Why you should consider a commercial combined policy

A commercial combined policy offers all round financial protection to your business, providing you with security and peace of mind. It can be tailored to cover the risks that are specific to your business. For example, a wholesaler will have a warehouse where customers might visit, plus they might transport their stock themselves, meaning they would require Public Liability, Goods in Transit and Cover against Material Damage and Theft.

Having all your policies in one place means you can easily manage the cost and terms & conditions surrounding the policy, rather than having to juggle multiple policies.

Commercial Combined policies can feature:

• Business Interruption (loss of income if unable to trade)
• Cover against material damage and theft
• Cover for engineering inspections
• Employers’ liability (claims arising from an injury to an employee)
• Goods in transit
• Legal expenses (including employment tribunals)
• Money cover
• Personal accident and/or sickness risks
• Product Liability (personal injury or damage to property cause by your product)
• Public Liability (accidental injury to any person or damage to their property)

Technology and Driving have come a long way in recent years. Combining the two can make you a safer driver and it can reduce the cost of your driving insurance. Win/Win right?

Fortunately, they are easy to buy and install, from immobilisers to dashcams, find out more about the innovative devices that could help you to slash your costs.

Telematics (Black Box)

If you have teenagers, or recently were one yourself, you will know that telematics are a good way of bringing the cost of your car insurance down.

An insurer will install a black box in your car which monitors the speed you drive at, how you handle corners, braking, which times of the day you drive and will determine how good you are as a driver. They will also come with additional benefits like a GPS in case it ever gets stolen, or you lose it.

Generally, a black box could help to cut your policy down by &250.

Dashcam

Dashcams are quickly becoming a norm across the world. These handy little dashboard cameras can capture any incidents or accidents you may be involved in, the video captured by the camera could assist with settling your case in a shorter time.

They’re a relatively cheap gadget that can save you a bundle in the long-run, not to mention saving you 10% on your car insurance bill.

Increase Security

Ensure your vehicle is off the street (preferably in a garage) with an alarm or immobiliser installed. Keeping your vehicle in a secure location can help to cut your insurance policy down by a decent amount.

Parking Sensors

These sensors can be installed in your vehicle and will assist you when parking.

Using ultrasonic technology that sends out sound waves behind your car which bounces off obstacles and returns to the sensor.

Like dashcams, they’re cheap, easy to install and can cause your premiums to fall by around 13%.

Looking to save on motor insurance? West Craven can assist you in assessing the security of your vehicle and providing you with the most affordable policy possible.