Homeowners increasingly choosing to stay put

The number of homeowners choosing to stay put and invest in their existing property instead of moving has soared in the past five years, according to a new report from specialist insurer Hiscox. Continue reading Homeowners increasingly choosing to stay put

Batten down the hatches ahead of Ophelia’s UK arrival

On 30^th anniversary of the 1987 Great Storm, windy weather forecast for the west of the UK – protect your home and business now …

Aviva is advising homeowners and businesses to take basic precautions to protect themselves and their property ahead of heavy downpours and very strong winds from ex-tropical storm Ophelia, which are forecast to hit the west coast of the UK early next week.

The tail-end of the US tropical storm is due to coincide with the 30^th anniversary of the Great Storm of 15/16 October 1987, which caused winds of over 100mph, significant damage across the UK and killed 18 people.

Although we know from history that precise forecasting can be difficult, Aviva has its network of contractors and property claims experts on stand by across the country and its contact centres are available 24/7 to help those who might be affected by the forecast unsettled weather.

Rob Townend, claims director for Aviva said: “While it’s unclear yet how severe the storm will be, high winds and heavy rain could cause havoc to homes and businesses. But some simple measures can help to minimise any damage. For example, secure your fences, doors and windows and be aware that you may face disruption to your travel plans.

“Our claims teams are ready and here to help if your property or car has been damaged as a direct result of storm force conditions. We can also arrange alternative accommodation for you if the damage means you need to move out of your home temporarily.”

Customers wishing to make a claim should contact:

For home insurance – call 0345 030 6945 or you can report a claim online on MyAviva at your convenience to get your claim reference
For car insurance: call 0345 030 6925 or report a claim online at MyAviva
For business insurance: contact your broker or for commercial property claims call 0800 015 1498, for commercial motor 0800 246 876 and for motor trade 0800 0466 229.

What to do before the storm

If possible park the car in a garage, or away from large trees
If time allows and it is safe to do so check for loose tiles on the roof, secure any weak fencing etc to minimise the risk of causing damage to other parts of your property.
Safely store or secure any garden furniture, ornaments, bikes or children’s toys/outside play equipment.
Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
In the event of an electrical storm remove the aerial from the TV set

What to do after the storm

Call your insurer immediately if your property suffers damage. Aviva’s team of experts will be able to give you advice on how to prevent further damage and will help you with your claim to get your property back to the way it was.

This video provides some handy tips and advice for protecting homes ahead of storm weather

Honest motorists to benefit from insurance fraud crackdown

The price of an average motor insurance premium has seen a record fall of more than £100 over the past year, according to the latest AA statistics. The Westminster Government says reforms to tackle the growth of compensation culture and help hardworking people have made a major contribution to this fall.

The government has now pledged to do more and it has welcomed assurances from the insurance industry that they will continue to do their part by passing on any savings that result from these reforms straight on to customers.

Despite the fall in average insurance premiums, recent figures from the Association of British Insurers have shown that the number of dishonest motor claims increased by 34% to a record 59,900 in 2013, with a value of £811 million.

A new package of measures to tackle insurance fraudsters and dishonest claims has been announced which will reduce the amount being paid out unnecessarily by insurance companies on fraudulent claims and enable them to pass on savings to honest customers.

These will affect bogus claims, both motor claims and others such as ‘trips and slips’ at work and in public places.

They include:

Requiring courts to throw out compensation applications in full where the claimant has been fundamentally dishonest – to stop people who have had an accident from exploiting the system by making bogus claims or grossly exaggerating the extent of their injuries
Plans to ban lawyers from encouraging people to make claims by offering them incentives like cash or iPads
Reducing questionable whiplash claims by improving medical assessments, ensuring they are only conducted by independent accredited professionals, and setting fixed fees for medical reports this year
Introducing new rules this year to restrict the practice of settling whiplash claims without confirmation of the claimant’s injury.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: “We are making sure we do our bit to help drivers with the cost of running a car, and putting money back in their pockets.

“Insurance premiums have fallen by record amounts over the past year as we have turned the tide on the compensation culture but there is more to do. We are continuing to go after the fraudsters who force up costs for honest drivers.”

The new measures are the latest stage of the government’s delivery on the commitment to deal with high insurance costs made by the Prime Minister at an insurance summit in 2012. The latest Association of British Insurers average motor insurance premium tracker shows the average price of fully comprehensive insurance cover has reduced by 14% over the last year.

UK Government Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The costs of owning and running a car are felt by millions of households and businesses across the country and this government is determined to help keep those costs down. Insurance premiums have fallen but we are keen to do more with the industry to drive down costs further.”

Association of British Insurers Director General Otto Thoresen said: “These changes are a very positive development for the vast majority of honest insurance customers who end up paying for the fraud of the minority. We applaud the decision to ban the distasteful advertising which offers cash or other inducements for personal injury claims. This only serves to reinforce to unscrupulous claimants that there is a compensation culture to exploit.”