Policy holders could face price hikes on their insurance premiums or even have claims rejected as the rise and rise of social networking sees more people advertise their whereabouts and holiday plans on the internet.

Insurance provider Legal & General recently highlighted the need for consumers to think twice before broadcasting their vacation plans as thieves could easily scour social networking sites for potential targets and empty homes.

The continued expansion of Google’s Street View program also means burglars have increasingly thorough access to technology that could help them locate vulnerable properties.

QuoteBoffin echoed the call for consumers to exercise better online privacy:

“Social networking sites such as Facebook are a great way to let friends know what you’re up to but people have to remember that some pages can easily accessed by strangers.

“This means absolutely anybody could find out when and for how long you’re property will be vacant which is very dangerous.”

Policy holders are reminded not to give out personal information online, especially updates regarding their plans to leave the country or their home for long periods of time.

Twitter users were recently put in the spotlight after the website www.pleaserobme.com provided real-time updates of empty homes belonging to people using Foursquare to update their exact location.

The creators of pleaserobme.com were slammed for creating a tool for burglars despite claiming they were highlighting people’s willingness to broadcast sensitive information such as postcodes.

Although insurance providers have yet to absorb the risk from social networking into policy premiums, it is up to consumers to protect their possessions by implementing common sense.

QuoteBoffin.co.uk said: “The insurance industry is definitely concerned about the impact social networking could have on our possessions as well as our personal safety.

“Although insurance is there as a safety net during worst case scenario moments, consumers can do their bit to protect their premiums by refraining from broadcasting sensitive information in public forums that could then lead to a claim being made.”

Via EPR Network
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