Pictured: Russell Scanlan's Managing Director Bryan
Banbury
With winter just around the corner, and weather predictions of
another possible big freeze, independent insurance experts Russell
Scanlan warns consumers to be prepared this time round when it
comes to making sure their home, business and motor insurance
policies provide the right cover.
The cold snap last December caught many by surprise, with burst
pipes and broken heating systems forcing many UK business to close
and causing home-owners across the country unnecessary hassle. In
total, over 103,000 property insurance claims were put in as a
result, at a cost of £680m.*
Icy conditions on the roads also caused misery. Around 270,000
insurance claims were made, costing around £530m in dealing
with damage to both personal and commercial vehicles.*
Met Office predictions this year indicate a slightly milder
winter than last, and although longer-term forecasts are now no
longer available to confirm another big freeze this time round,
Russell Scanlan's Managing Director Bryan Banbury says it's still
better to be prepared.
"Our weather systems seem to be more changeable than in the
past, so it's really important not to leave anything to chance.
There are some really simple things you can do to give you peace of
mind in knowing that the business or home you've worked so hard to
build up are covered this winter.
* Source: Association of British Insurers
www.abi.org.uk
"Think about whether you might be taking a longer than usual
break this festive season, and check the details of all your
business and home insurance policies. Most have a restriction in
cover which applies once a property has been empty for 30 days or
more, meaning that to avoid burst pipes and other such damage,
specific steps should be taken.
"This could include turning off the water supply, draining down
the system, and making sure someone regularly inspects the building
during the time it's unoccupied. If you're moving house or office,
and either the home or business premises you're moving from or to
will be empty for a period, the same restriction can apply.
"If you have any concerns, talk to your broker or insurer
directly. You may be able to negotiate an extension of time on the
empty property, or agree that you can leave the heating on rather
than drain the system down.
"As you go about your business this winter, remember to also use
your common sense! Don't leave a running car unattended as it
defrosts one icy morning, as that chance thief might just drive off
in it. You may well be left with a bit of a fight on your hands to
succesfully claim for the loss via your motor insurance
company.
"From a commercial perspective, don't forget that any bad
weather may lead more of your employees to work from home if
they're struggling with their daily commute. Make sure that your
business insurance policies cover offsite use of those all
important laptops that carry sensitive company information."
"Whatever circumstance you find yourself in this year, the
golden rule is to know the details of your policies and to raise
any queries with your broker or insurance company straight away.
They're very strict nowadays in their interpretation of any
restrictions in place, so make sure you ask the question. That way,
you'll know that whatever the weather, you're ready to face any
situation with confidence."
Russell Scanlan is one of the UK's top independent insurance
broking and risk managing firms, and is based in Nottingham and
Leicester. The firm has a wide-reaching and loyal customer base
across the country, and specialises in corporate, small business,
private clients and specialist insurance.