Before you leave for your next holiday, take the time to check your home and contents are adequately covered. 

It's a known fact that the holiday periods are when many thefts and burglaries occur, so it's important you check that your car, home and contents are secure before you leave to avoid becoming a statistic.

To assist you, The Insurance Council of Australia have provided the following simple steps to keep your possessions safe while you're away:

• Ensure your home and contents policy is up-to-date and insurance is adequate – if not the chances of receiving a full replacement on your possessions is unlikely
• Make a detailed list of your possessions, including serial numbers and model numbers
• Mark all expensive or valuables items with a code or name to prove ownership
• Ask neighbours, friends or family to pick up newspapers and collect your mail
• Take photos of special items and jewellery and keep them with your insurance policy
• Renew cover annually, especially after Christmas, to include any valuable items received

And to protect your car, don't forget to:

•  Check your car is properly covered and the insurance policy is current
•  Report any accidents to your insurance company immediately
•  Lock vehicles and ensure personal belongings are not exposed

Be sure to check with your insurer to see what is and what isn't covered under your policy - especially if you're planning to be away for a longer period, if friends are house sitting or if you're planning a house swap. You might also need to consider taking out cover for any valuable possessions that aren't covered away from home - such as your mobile phone, camera or jewellery.

 To speak to QBE about your existing cover, or to enquire about our insurance, simply call us on 133 QBE (that's 133 723) or click here.