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.
An agreement regarding flood insurance between the government and the Association of British Insurers has been supported by AA Insurance.
The agreement will ensure there is a much better understanding of the risk of flooding in different areas as well as improving the accessibility to home insurance for households on low incomes. There will also be changes to the planning system said A Insurance to ensure developments are not placed in areas where the risk of flooding is high.
A spokesman from AA Insurance said that providers of home insurance, like themselves, are well aware of the greater risk of flooding that faces the UK and are structuring their premiums accordingly. Although the premiums will be higher than previously the good news is that cover will still be provided, something that was a concern previously when it was suggested some areas would be uninsurable.
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.
