protect your home

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Protect your home and help avoid the need to claim

We all hope we’ll never need to call on our home insurance. Here’s some advice on how you can reduce the risk that you’ll ever need to claim.

Flood

Around five million people in the UK are at risk of flooding, and the summer floods of 2007 was a reminder of the misery that flooding can cause. So what is the likelihood of flooding in your area?

The Environment Agency provide a national flood risk map where you can locate your postcode in the UK, showing locations at risk and offers a range of flood guidance and advice. If you are in an ‘at risk’ flood area why not register with the Environment’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. The National Flood Forum and ABI also have useful sections on flooding.

Fire

Many of us use more and more barbeques, candles and other items at home that can all be a potential hazard. Simple measures like smoke detectors, fire blankets and fire extinguishers can reduce the risk. Visit www.firekills.gov.uk for more information and advice.

Under-insurance

Under-insurance can mean that claims don’t get paid. Recent studies have found that up to nine out of ten properties are under-insured.

Ecclesiastical’s home insurance minimises the chance of under-insurance by giving you £500,000 standard buildings insurance and £60,000 contents insurance cover.

If you have a valuation for insurance purposes, make sure you update it every five years. If you’re in any doubt as to whether you have the correct cover, call us on 0845 777 3322 (and press option 2).

Security

Simple measures, such as window locks, burglar alarms and timer lights can deter opportunist thieves. Take photographs of every room so you have a record of your belongings in case you ever need to claim. Refer to our minimum security requirements for more details on how to protect your home.

Subsidence

Although there’s been an increase in subsidence claims in recent years, many homes suffer only from minor cracking. The key signs to look out for include: small, diagonal cracks which suddenly appear in plaster around doors and windows, especially after spells of dry weather. Visit the ABI website and search for subsidence for more information and advice.

Home improvements

If you intend to make major alterations, renovations or repairs to your home, let us know well in advance. You may need to add building works cover.

If your improvements are going to involve hot works, such as welding, grinding, and the use of open flames, ask for a copy of our guidelines.

Usually, the contractor is responsible for work and materials, but if you’ve signed a contract that makes you liable, make sure you add them to your insurance.

More information and advice

Call us on 0845 777 3322 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday for more information and advice.

*Source: www.thisismoney.co.uk, 1 October 2007