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.
Top UK retail outlet Argos works with Allianz Cornhill to offer the dedicated Argos Insurance that is available to protect the large quantities of furniture and other items sold by the retailing giant.
The latest development in the ongoing relationship between the two companies gives customers the peace of mind offered through a repair and replacement programme, meaning customers know that the investment they have made in their home furnishing will last a reasonable amount of time. Argos and Allianz Cornhill already work together providing insurance cover for jewellery and mobile phones. Although the sizes of the product is much larger when it comes to furniture the basic principle in insuring them is exactly the same.
Both parties feel that the provision of Argos Insurance cover being extended in this way will be beneficial to the consumer as well as the two businesses. They also see it as the continuation and progression of what is seen as a very good working relationship.
As costs rise so the amount needed to replace household items increases also. The need for home insurance is therefore greater than ever say Direct Line.
Having surveyed a selection of UK adults the insurer found that the typical cost of replacing or repairing damaged household items was around GBP200. The most common incidents were red wine spills, broken vases and damaged furniture. Each of these is covered with Direct Line home insurance and the peace of mind that cover brings, as well as the money it can save, is of real benefit to customers.
At the moment Direct Line have a special offer on their contents insurance, with free accidental damage cover provided to all new customers. In addition, when the time for renewal comes these same customers will also be eligible for a 10 percent discount as long as they have not made a claim.