Insurance Articles

A selection of insurance articles and documents which will help you when buying insurance.

Beat The Burglar

1. To help reduce the risk of theft from your home – and save on your home insurance too!
2. Never leave keys in a lock, or a ‘secret’ hiding place like under the mat – burglars know where to look!
3. Fit deadlocks or key-operated security bolts to all external doors.
4. Security-mark your valuables with your postcode, and photograph them if possible.
5. Fit a good quality, approved alarm – look out for British Standard BS4737.

For more information, download the pdf document.

Burst Pipes

Water pipes need to be lagged, especially those in unheated parts of the home and outside, to reduce the threat of frost damage and possible flooding.

But that’s not all, other tips include:

1. Make sure you know where your stopcock is – it controls the flow of mains water into your home.
2. Check for cold spots in your home – and if you find a frozen pipe turn off the stopcock, open the nearest tap and apply gentle heat to the pipe. When the water starts to thaw, remember to turn the stopcock anti-clockwise slightly while you check for any bursts.
3. Be neighbourly and keep a look out for elderly neighbours and friends who may need a little assistance at times like this.

For more information, download the pdf document.

Safe & Sound

This page contains some valuable information to help you stay safe and sound in your home.

Subjects covered include:

1. Gas leaks
2. Fire prevention
3. General emergency hints and tips

For more information, download the pdf document.

Fight The Freeze

Before the cold weather arrives:

1. Make sure all pipes and tanks in the loft space are fully lagged.
2. Find your main stopcock and make sure you can turn it off and on. If you have a water meter, the ‘off’ switch is on the meter – probably right outside your house.
3. Repair any dripping taps.
4. Check your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition.

For more information, download the pdf document.

Lost Passports

A new procedure for reporting lost and stolen passports has been introduced. With effect from December 2003, if your passport is lost or stolen you will need to complete the new LS01 form to obtain a new one.

So if you are travelling abroad, check your passport at least one month before your trip so you have enough time to replace it if you need to.

For more information, download the pdf document.

Types Of Motor Cover

1. Third Party Only (TPO) (Minimum Insurance Cover)

Buying From A Car Dealer

Buying a new or used car is generally regarded as a consumer minefield. The following notes are aimed to provide information about certain consumer rights you may have against the dealer and will hopefully make your dreams of buying your car a safe reality!

For more information, download the pdf document.

Buying A Car Privately

In contrast to buying a car from a dealer, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 offers only limited protection to buyers purchasing a car privately. The condition that the car must be of satisfactory quality does not apply.

For more information, download the pdf document.

Extras

• A typical level of No Claims Discount (NCD) accrual is 30% after 1 year, and rises to 65% (70% with some insurers if you’re over 50) after minimum 5 years.

• After 4 years, you can protect your NCD for an additional premium. You can make 1 claim in any year or 2 claims in any 5 year period, and you won’t lose your hard-earned discount, some of our insurers will let you protect it for life, or as long as you continue to be insured with that company.

For more information, download the pdf document.