Is your Home Burglar Proof?

Having a burglar break into your home isn't something most of us want to think about. It's such an invasion of our personal space, our lives, that we just push the thought away.

But it happens. And it's much less traumatic if we've taken steps in advance to protect ourselves from these sleezy guys that want to invade our homes.

There are simple steps you can take to deter burglars from deciding to break into your house. Burglars are lazy and they are cowards. If a house is hard to get into or looks like it's likely to get them caught, they'll head somewhere else. You want to send them packing.

The first step is also the most obvious. Always remember to lock all your doors and windows when you're not home. Don't make it easy for a burglar to just waltz right in--and out again with your stuff.

Next, add an alarm system to your home and put up a big sign saying it's there. This will not only deter burglars from entering your house. It will also save you money on your homeowners insurance.

When Should You Change the Locks in Your Home?

You should always install new locks when you buy a new house. Someone, somewhere has the keys to the old locks. Lock them out!

But not many people think to change their locks every couple of years. Think back to how many people you've probably given keys to--a workman, the babysitter, the exterminator, your sister-in-law (now no longer married to your brother!)

Keep them all honest by changing the locks every couple of years.

Install deadbolt locks on all ground level entrances, and make a habit of locking them all the time. And adding a reinforced door will deter someone from just kicking your door open.

An Alarm Is a Must

An alarm system will go a long way toward making a burglar think twice about picking your house instead of the one down the street. Most alarm companies will install their system for free or for a nominal fee. The low monthly payment is a small price to pay instead of losing valuable and irreplaceable items. And you might well save the whole amount on your homeowners insurance.

Make Sure You Lock Your Windows and Doors

Check your doors and windows whenever you leave your house, even for a minute, and especially when you go on vacation. Place timers on lights to cut on and off at separate times of the day. When you move into a new place, check all windows and doors to be sure they close properly. If not, replace them immediately.

Who to Trust With a Key

The best person to trust with an extra key is a neighbor you trust. Don't put your extra key under the doormat. Too many people put a spare key under a flower pot or other obvious place, and it's the first place a thief will look. Don't make it easy for him!

Always leave a light on when you're not home, and inform your neighbors of your whereabouts. If your neighborhood has poor street lighting, call the city and/or electric company to install better street lights. Inform them as soon as a street light is out. If you notice a stranger walking around your neighborhood or around a neighbor's house, inform the authorities immediately.

After installing a home alarm system and making your home burglar proof, tell your homeowners insurance company. You might qualify for big savings on your home insurance policy.

To get the best possible rates on your home insurance, shop around by using InsWeb.com online to compare quotes from several different providers. You'll find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.