According to Tesco Finance the cost of not changing home insurance companies last year totalled GBP26 million.
The study found that almost two thirds of people remained with their existing insurance providers when it came to renewal time, even though almost half of them saw the cost increase over the previous year. For around 4 million of them the increase was more than the level of inflation, said a Tesco Finance spokesman, even though only a small number of these had increased their cover or made a claim.
The advice that comes out loud and clear from Tesco is that everyone should at least get a couple of alternative quotes at renewal time to make sure they are getting the best home insurance deal available.
School holidays means children at home, which means more accidents around the home according to Tesco Finance.
,p>Figures compiled by Tesco Finance show that home contents insurance claims for damage caused by children cost almost GBP230 million last year. The majority of claims understandably come during the school holidays when children are at home. With over 40 percent of people not having enough, or any, contents insurance now is a good time to get some say Tesco.
Accidental damage can be added to some policies and is inclusive on others said a Tesco Finance spokesman. Therefore it is sensible to compare policies to see what the cost would be on a like for like basis, ensuring the cover is adequate for the customers needs.
According to Sainsburys Bank around 20 percent of UK homeowners are planning major changes to the structure of their properties in the next 12 months, though how many of them realise they should tell their insurer is another matter.
Around a third of those planning their home improvements were nor aware that their insurer should be made aware of the changes. Logically it makes sense since home insurance uses the information provided by the owner to determine the policy cost. If someone then adds on a new kitchen and conservatory for example the insurance company, be it Sainsburys Bank or another, would need to know the changes to make sure they are insured.
It is perhaps easy to forget about home insurance, said a Sainsburys Bank spokesman, since it is not visible and covers the house, but property changes really can change the value of the property and the amount it needs to be insured for. For this reason property owners should advise their insurer of the changes and save themselves problems in the future.
