June 10, 2014 by Canadian Underwriter
Aviva Canada is reminding Canadians to take precautions this summer, as burglary claims increase dramatically during the warmer months.
Compared to February – which has the lowest frequency of burglaries – July, August and September show an increase of 24%, 36% and 18% respectively, Aviva noted, based on its claims data.
The value of property being stolen is also on the rise, although the general frequency of burglary is on decline in Canada.
For Aviva Canada, the average value of a burglary claim has increased 27% over the last five years from $5,695 to $7,243. This can be attributed to the value of easier to steal and sell items such as jewelry, tablet and laptop computers, cell phones, video cameras and gaming consoles, Aviva said.
Aviva’s data also suggests that break-ins are more common at the start of the weekend, with Friday showing the greatest incidence at 25% higher than Sunday, the day with the lowest incidence of break-ins. Thursday also shows a high rate of break-in frequency at 19% higher than Sunday.
Based on data from 2009 to 2013, Quebec homeowners have the highest frequency of break-ins at 94% above the national average and at just over one third of the national average, the Atlantic Provinces have the lowest frequency of burglary claims.
Aviva Canada suggests these precautions for homeowners:
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