Tenants are being asked by Direct Line home insurance to make sure they have contents insurance in place and also to speak to landlords regarding home security.
It makes sense for landlords to protect their property with security measures said a Direct Line spokesman, especially since it can help reduce insurance premiums. It is also prudent for tenants to have contents insurance cover to protect their own belongings.
Many tenants are surprised when they find out how little Direct Line home insurance costs and feel much happier knowing their goods are covered. With the added security provided by the landlords actions too that figure can go even lower.
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.
