January 2011

Cold Weather leads to more home insurance claims - (28th January 2011) - just when we thought that we had seen the back of the cold weather, the forecasters are stating that it's about to become colder again, leading to more misery for home owners. There is a definite correlation between the cold weather and the rise in home insurance claims.

Home Insurance – Cover for Digital Media - (28th January 2011) - Whilst it is normal to provide accidental damage or loss to Tv, videos, dvds, sound reproducing equipment and computers most home insurance companies, do not make any mention in their policy wording of insuring electronic downloads.

Home Insurance not seen as a “Must Have” - (25th January 2011) - It these present economic times, it’s a worry to learn that many people do not see insurance as an essential purchase. According to a survey by the Co-operative and housing and homelessness charity Shelter, 70% of people are worried about their cash flow, and this increases to almost 75% among people aged 24-35.

Home Insurance Fraud on the Increase - (25th January 2011) - It’s interesting that in the United Kingdom, many people do not consider exaggerating insurance claims to be fraud. According to the insurer, Legal & General, around 29% of people would consider exaggerating a home insurance claim, either by claiming for extra items or increasing the value of things that had been damaged or stolen.

Rising Home Insurance Costs for UK homeowners - (24th January 2011) - Cash strapped homeowners have seen the cost of their home insurance policies rise by an average of 7% in 2010, according to a new survey. The survey found that the market average home insurance policy premium was £225. The main cause of the price rise has been blamed on the U.K.'s severe weather conditions during 2010 including severe flooding and one of the coldest winters on record.

Survey Finds Home Owners Under Valuing Their Contents - (24th January 2011) - A recent survey has found that millions of UK homeowners in the UK are exposing themselves to unnecessary risk by not taking out suitable home contents insurance cover and in many cases not bothering to take out any contents insurance cover at all.

Time for Landlords to Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance? - (12th January 2011) - In a recent survey 40% of landlords questioned stated that they have seen a marked rise in tenants who are experiencing problems paying their rent, compared to the previous six months. The survey by the Association of residential letting agents, highlights the increasing financial difficulty many tenants are finding themselves in as job cuts and price rises limit their ability to pay rent on time.

More Homeowner Policyholders Planning to Switch - (11th January 2011) - in good times many home owners do not bother switching their insurance provider because of the hassle and time it takes to retrieve alternative quotes from alternative home insurance providers. However in harsher economic conditions many more people are now seeking out cheaper buildings and contents insurance.

Shine Comes off Second Homes Abroad - (11th January 2011) - the economic downturn is having a severe impact on overseas second home markets and holiday home markets. Once seen as a positive lifestyle change for retirement and low-cost family holidays, more and more potential and existing second home owners our turning their backs on the dream of living abroad.

New Waste Management Regulations May Impact Second Home Owners - (10th January 2011) - the outcome of a review may lead to the ability for local authorities to start charging second homeowners, under certain circumstances, for collection of waste. The changes are likely to affect self catering holiday accommodation and caravan parks.