To put it simply, if you are still insuring your home through your mortgage provider you could be paying more than you need to. A broker can help you find buildings or contents insurance that could significantly reduce your premiums.
Combined buildings and contents discount.
By placing your buildings and contents insurance with the same insurer you can receive a discount on your premium.
No claims discount.
Just like a motor policy you can receive a discount for a claim free record.
Security
If you have a house alarm you may be entitled to a discount.
Neighbourhood Watch
Being part of an official Neighbourhood Watch scheme can entitle you to a further discount.
Wide range of cover
A policy that suits you. You can choose from a range of policies that cover a variety of homes from one bedroom houses to large country mansions. Or select your own level of cover.
24 hour help lines
There to help you in emergencies and also can provide you with legal advice.
The feeling that someone else has been in your home can live with you for a long time. We have provided some general advice below that will help stop you being the next burglary victim.
Doors
Outside doors should have deadlocks that at least conform to BS3621. These locks can only be opened by key. A burglar cannot just use a plastic card to push back the tongue of the lock or break a glass panel and reach in to open it. Doors that you usually lock from the inside - for example the back door - should also be fitted with bolts. But locks and bolts are only as strong as the door and the frame to which they are fitted. So check the woodwork and replace it if it is at all weak or rotten.
Double doors should have bolts (preferably security bolts with removable keys) at the top and bottom of both doors as well as a lock. On patio doors, additional security locks should be fitted to stop the sliding frame being lifted off the tracks. The sliding leaf of patio doors should be fitted on the inside.
Windows
Most burglaries are through windows. Key operated locks should be fitted to all accessible windows - those on the ground floor and those near drainpipes and flat roofs. These locks are inexpensive to buy and easy to fit.
Keys
Never leave keys in a lock, always take them with you. Never leave keys in a "secret" hiding place - thieves know all the hiding places! Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour.
Callers
Check the identity of all callers. Before opening your door fully, ask to see their identity card if they claim to be officials. Don't be fooled by a uniform. Telephone their office if in any doubt. A door viewer or door chain will help you see who is at the door without opening it fully.
Going Out
A burglar can be in and out of your home in two minutes. So always shut and lock all windows, however short a time you are going to be away. Don't forget garages and sheds, they contain valuable items and tools useful to a burglar. Chain and padlock ladders, or keep them in locked sheds or garages.
Property Marking
List your valuable items with serial numbers and a short description. Take photographs or videos of items such as jewellery and keep them with your policy. You will have a better chance of getting your property back after a burglary.
Mark your property with a property marking kit. Use your postcode and the number of your house. This will help the police to return your property to you. Your local Crime Prevention Officer will advise you. Use the Property Checklist Form and keep it with your policy.
Safes
If you own valuable property you may prefer the added security of a safe. Before you buy one, consult your insurance company surveyor, broker or Crime Prevention Officer as to the type that is best suited to your needs.
Alarms
If you are considering installing an alarm get advice from your insurers before buying one. Many insurance companies insist that the installation of alarms is carried out by companies registered with the National Approval Council for Security Systems.
Most alarms only warn that someone has already broken in. Your first priority is to stop them getting in at all.
Neighbourhood Watch
Get involved in a neighbourhood watch scheme - or help to set up one. Your local police will give you details.
1. Why should I bother insuring my house for the rebuilding cost? It's higher, so if I had a fire I'd just move to another house.
That's easy to say, but not always as easy to do. It is extremely rare to find a house is burned to the ground. Normally it is damaged and there is, at least part of the structure still standing. If this happens to you, the local authority could step in and force you to spend money on keeping the structure standing or having it demolished. Either way it will cost you money and if you don't have enough insurance it will mean that you could end up paying these bills yourself, just at a time when you need all the money you can get to rebuild your home.
2. I have a friend living a few miles away whose house is practically identical to mine. How come that my rebuilding costs are so much higher than hers?
People often get confused by this. The rebuilding cost of your home reflects all sorts of factors, including how it's built, the cost of labour in your area, the materials that would be needed to re-instate the building. There is no point in comparing one building with another because not all the factors will be the same - even if the houses are similar - just make sure that your sum insured accurately represents the cost of rebuilding your home and you'll be ok. After all, how do you know your friend has worked out his/her figures correctly?
3. Heavy rain has crept through my flat roof. Why won't the company pay to repair the roof? - They keep saying its wear and tear.
Your insurance covers you against a long list of disasters listed in your policy, like fires, floods, burst pipes and so on. If the rain came through your roof because of a storm you should be able to claim. But if it leaked because the roof was wearing out (which your insurers seem to be suggesting) that's not what your insurance is for.
4. I told the insurance company I would rather have cash than replacement furniture after my fire. Why is the cash they have offered a lower amount than the replacement cost?
Your policy will contain a clause saying that, when they deal with your claim, they can repair, replace or pay for any item. When they replace an item they negotiate a special discount with the supplier. If you turn down their offer to replace an item and ask for cash instead, they will usually agree to this, but they will then pay you the price they would have paid for the replacement (ie including any discount).
5. My three piece suite will never look the same with just one chair replaced. Why won't they replace the whole suite?
The simple answer is because the whole suite hasn't been damaged - just one chair and your insurance is not designed to pay for undamaged items! This question arises quite often and most insurers have clarified the position by putting an explanation in their policies. If you can't see anything in your policy, give your insurers a ring and ask them whether they have clarified their position on 'pairs and sets'.
6. My home is in a subsidence-prone area. Will I still be able to get insurance?
Your broker will still be able to find you an insurance policy. However, it should be noted that the risk of subsidence is likely to mean that your premiums or excess is likely to be higher. Even if your house has been affected by subsidence you will still be able to get insurance, as long as the repair work has been completed successfully.