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.
AA Insurance has asked the government to continue investing in flood defences as well as suggesting local councils should not approve building in high risk areas.
The floods of last year were exacerbated by the inability of the drainage systems to take the water away, aspects that the government can have a big say in. Around 180,000 claims were made last year following the floods said AA Insurance, costing insurers some GBP3 billion. There were also many people without home insurance who suffered as well, highlighting the need for both buildings and contents insurance to protect the most valuable assets people have.
Looking to the future there may be a situation where insurers like AA Insurance and others refuse to cover people for flood damage unless steps are taken to improve the defences available. Such a scenario would be a nightmare for homeowners of course. An alternative may be higher premiums, though the increase would be large in order to cover the potential risk, again leading to many consumers being unable to afford the cover they need.
Results from a recent Sainsburys Bank survey show around 4.7 million adults in the UK are without home contents insurance cover.
The most insured area in the UK is Yorkshire and Humberside, where 96 percent of people have contents insurance. This contrasts with London, the least insured place in the country, where only 78 percent of people have cover. Sainsburys Bank urge people without home insurance to get cover as it offers peace of mind and financial cover for what can end up as a significant sum.
With regard to the reasons for not having contents insurance the main reason given was that it simply was not required. This was followed by it being too costly. A Sainsburys Bank spokesman suggested these people should firstly tot up the value of their possessions and then check online to see how inexpensive home contents insurance can be.
