Admiral car insurance has warned car drivers that they could see their premiums 5 percent higher by the end of this year.
In the first half of the year insurance premiums have risen by around 2.5 percent according to data collated by Admiral, with a similar level of increase expected in the second half of the year. On the back of all the other price rises that are hitting consumers there appears to be no escape from rising costs.
What seems to be happening is that the cost of car insurance is going up even though the number of claims is relatively unchanged. Admiral suggest that it may be the increasing cost of repairs that is forcing premiums up.
Endsleigh Insurance is warning homeowners that getting repairs and home improvement work done by non-approved people can mean home insurance is not valid, leaving the consumer unprotected.
Should the design or workmanship of a home improvement project be below the typical standard, or if unsuitable materials or tools are used, Endsleigh Insurance will not pay out for any claims made. They, along with many other insurers, will also refuse to pay when structural modifications that have been done on a DIY basis, lead to a buildings insurance claim.
The view of the insurer is that they are basing their premiums on the perceived risk of the property as described. If this changes, through a home improvement project for example, the insurer, be it Endsleigh home insurance or any other, needs to know about it, and to what standard it was done, so they can re-evaluate the risk profile.
Direct Line are asking all van owners to make sure they have the correct insurance cover otherwise they could find themselves out of pocket in the case of a claim.
Most van drivers use their vehicles for commercial purposes so it is vital that they get the correct van insurance that covers business use. Another aspect that many drivers of vans fail to appreciate is that it is classified as a place of work and so the smoking ban is in force. Drivers can be fined up to GBP2,500 for this warn Direct Line.
Van insurance has become much more competitive in recent years, with companies such as Direct Line recognising the increased demand for cover and therefore developing their products accordingly.
