Important Notes & Things to Consider
Vulnerable Customers – We take our responsibility to treat all customers fairly very seriously and we want to ensure that no customer, vulnerable or otherwise is disadvantaged when it comes to arranging their insurance. Therefore, if you have any specific requirements or need additional support from us, please let us know.
Wear & Tear – It is the Policyholder’s responsibility to look after and regularly maintain their property. The Policy is intended to provide cover against unforeseen events like fire, theft, accidental damage or storm among others. It does not cover wear and tear or damage which happens gradually over a period of time. Areas commonly prone to ‘wear and tear’ on a building include guttering, flat roofs, facia boards and boundary walls. These should all be checked on a regular basis and maintenance carried out where appropriate.
Storm Damage Exclusions – Insurers will always establish that ‘Storm’ conditions applied. Well maintained properties should not suffer damage in anything less than ‘Storm’ conditions. They will check with the nearest local Met Station (e.g. nearest Airport). Damage caused by anything less than ‘Strom’ will not be covered.
- Wear & Tear always excluded
- Frost likewise, always excluded
- Loss of/or damage to fences, gates and hedges always excluded as they are not constructed to stand up to ‘Storm’ conditions.
- Loss or damage that happens after the home has been left unoccupied or unfurnished for more than 30/60* days in a row – *depending on insurer.
Claims Process – in the event of an incident which might give rise to a claim it is essential that the insurer is informed immediately. The Policy document will usually provide a Telephone Number (often Freephone) to call, on a 24-hour basis. Provided the caller has the Policy Number to hand and is able to give a description of the incident, a Claim will be opened by the insurer. A Broker can provide contact details for the insurer but it is essential that the Policyholder provides information as requested.
In order to satisfy an insurer it is essential to satisfy three questions regarding the item(s) claimed:
- What was it? 2. Was it yours? 3. What was its value?
It is the responsibility of the Policyholder to prove any loss and satisfactorily answer these questions. It is therefore strongly recommended that Receipts, Up-to-date Valuations for Valuables, Photographs, Instruction Booklets and Guarantee Cards are retained and submitted to back up a claim. The lack of such items can cause difficulties and delay in reaching a settlement. In the event of theft or loss, a Policy condition will insist that the Police or other appropriate authority is informed and the insurer will check that this has been done. Provided these actions are taken, claims are usually dealt with promptly. Delay on the part of the claimant in providing proofs of ownership or value will inevitably delay the claim settlement.
Driving at age 70 plus – When you reach the age of 70 your Driving Licence expires but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving. If you want to continue, you need to renew your licence. It becomes renewable every three years after that. Renewal is free of charge.
You do not have to retake your Driving Test at 70, but you do have to make a health declaration when renewing the licence. If you have a health condition or disability you may have to have your driving ability assessed. The medical conditions you must declare include:
- Dementia
- Insulin-treated Diabetes
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Any Chronic Neurological Condition (such as Multiple Sclerosis)
- Any condition that affects both eyes, or total loss of sight in one eye
You can see a full list of medical conditions and disabilities you must declare on the DVLA website.
Under Insured / Average – a clause in insurance policies whereby, in the event of an under insurance, the claim paid out by the insurer is restricted to the same proportion of the loss as the sum insured under the policy bears to the total value of the insured item. This will include but is not limited to reinstatement costs on buildings, cost of contents, stock, business interruption, employers and public & products liabilities etc. Please check the Sums Insured within your documentation and if they need to be amended now or during the policy period, please let us know immediately in writing. Insurers may refuse to pay a claim if the correct sums insured are outside of their underwriting criteria.