The Block hires security firm to monitor inspections

A newly established open for inspection security service is protecting the houses featured in Channel Nine’s renovation reality program The Block.

Some 30 guards were on duty when Open Home Insurance & Security oversaw the crowd management as 25,000-plus people attended the show’s initial weekend open for inspection day.

The business concept of insurance and security for open home inspections was established by Sydney real estate industry figure Peter Kelaher.

Kelaher approached Channel Nine about using his new service during The Block.

Kelaher has teamed up with players in the insurance and security industry and the real estate industry’s Campaign Track to offer insurance and the means of protecting homes from theft and damage during open inspections.

He sees his new venture as “the next big thing” in real estate,although he expects its uptake to begin with celebrities, high-net-worth individuals and judges.

Open Home insurance & Security aims to protect vendors, landlords and tenants during open home inspections by closing a loophole in the majority of standard home and contents insurance policies.

“It’s a little-known fact that when people are selling or renting their homes, they’re unlikely to be covered for any accidental, malicious damage or theft that may occur when their homes are open for inspection,” Kelaher says.

“Once you’ve willingly invited people into your home, most insurance policies are void ... and in the eyes of insurance companies, that’s exactly what you’re deemed to have done when you open your home for inspection.”

Open Home Insurance & Security offers an insurance policy from $295 that provides cover for accidental, malicious damage and theft for up to $5,000 when selling or leasing your property and licensed on-site security personnel at your open inspection who complete photo identification checks on every visitor entering a home.

“It’s leaving the real estate agents to concentrate on prospects, not suspects,” he says.

“It seems incredible that we need a driver’s license or other photo I.D. to hire a $5 DVD, yet can wander freely through someone else’s home with no questions asked.

“It’s a documented fact that criminals often attend open inspections with the sole intention of casing the property so they can return at a later date to rob the occupants.”

Kelaher says that the listings come with advanced notification on advertisements advising people they may be asked for photo ID.

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