It is thought that 38 per cent of those leaving the UK for over a month state family as the reason for their visits while others say they are going abroad to see friends. Recent study findings by Abbey suggest that the recession is likely to cause an increase in the number of domestic burglaries.



Many are planning to leave their houses unoccupied as they take extended breaks abroad to escape the current economic downturn, according to Sainsburys Home Insurance.





Figures show that 30 per cent of Britons claim that they are escaping the gloomy British weather. 26 per cent said they were going on extended travel or backpacking outside of the UK while 14 per cent listed job secondment or temporary relocation as the reason for taking the long break.



Although the reasons differed between age groups, it is thought that the over 55s form the largest group of Britons who are planning to go on a prolonged leave of more than 30 days stretched over next 12 months.



What to do before setting off abroad

Sainsburys Home Insurance says that some 1.72 million people over the age of 55 are planning to spend a month or more away from home in the coming year. Already experts are warning that such a decision would potentially expose their properties to increased risk from burglars.



Homeowners are also advised to turn off the water supply at the mains and drain the water and heating systems while they are away particularly in the months of October-March.



Those who wish to heat their home throughout this period and where the heating system uses the water supply, there is no need to drain the system as long as the heating is thermostatically controlled and is switched on and set to maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.



Getting a good deal on unoccupancy cover

There are good deals in the market with insurers such as Sainsburys Home Insurance offering 60-day unoccupancy cover as standard. Where a property is left unoccupied for more than 60 days, the Bank will increase the premium to reflect this risk and provide cover.



However, this will be subject to the customer ensuring that they have used all locks and security devices on all external doors and windows. Additionally, households must set your burglar alarm if they have one and turn off the gas and electricity at the mains. Homeowners with a burglar alarm installed only need to turn off the gas supply.



Insurers are also warning that anyone who is considering taking an extended trip away from home, therefore leaving their property unoccupied should inform their home insurance provider. Homeowners should also consider checking that they are still covered by their policy whilst they are away.



Homeowners who are planning the long breaks have been urged to ensure that they check the small print on their insurance policy because more than 37 per cent of home insurance policies only cover the family home for up to 30 days unoccupancy.



This applies even in cases where households have made arrangements for a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the house. It is vital that the arrangements ensures that the home is checked at least every two weeks by someone aged 16 or over at the time.