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Christmas is nearly here, and so too are those that prey on property owners during this time. You need to be extra vigilant at this time of year, with money being short and expectations high, this is a prime time for burglaries.

This is also a time where you need to be aware that an extended Christmas break away, could see you with NO insurance cover! Most policies have what is called an ‘Unoccupancy Clause’. This clause restricts some of the cover under your policy if you are away for a period of time (normally 30days). If you are planning on an extended holiday during this period, read your policy and the exclusions very carefully. If you are in any doubt, then contact your Insurance Broker for clarity.

When we have completed our Christmas shopping, battled with the wrapping paper and disobedient sticky tape and placed the gifts under the tree, the larder and cupboards are full of Christmas Cheer, we feel that we have achieved….. but what happens if someone breaks in a steals the gifts and Christmas fare?

Most insurance policies will have an automatic uplift of 10% for the Christmas period, if this is not the case, please ensure that your contents insurance is adequate for your requirements. If they are not, then ensure that you contact your ensure too increase the sum insured as necessary.

All your garden tools and machinery are neatly packed away for the winter, but are they still there? Check periodically the safety of these items and ensure that Garden Sheds, Garages and storage areas are well secured and locked and check that they are still there!

It is common now to adorn our homes with festive lights and novelties, make sure that you have extended your Buildings cover to include Accidental Damage cover should you put your foot through the roof! Ensure that the lights that you are using do not cause a fire hazard with worn wiring and overloading the household circuits, or indeed in some cases the National Grid!!

For our Business Partners, please ensure that the Stock Cover is increased for the festive session and that the cash limits under your insurance cover are adequate for the trading period.
With the wet weather, please make sure that all slippery surfaces are clearly marked for your customers, and perhaps provide temporary storage for wet umbrellas by your doors.

Shop Lifting and pilfering is rife at this time, so train your staff in the correct way of dealing and spotting this activity, and importantly, to have the local Police telephone number easily accessible.
Most importantly, make sure that you have cover in place for Public and Employers Liability. If you are in any doubt and need advice or guidance, Please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 230 1477.

There is one final thing to mention here, and probably the most important thing and that is :-

From all of us at Highhouse Insurance Services Limited, we would like to thank our customers for their custom during 2010 and Wish everyone a safe, claim free and Happy Christmas and New Year.

Well the year is flashing past and it is November already, this is a time when you have to look after your property to ensure that it survives the winter onslaught.

We had the hardest and longest winter in 30 years last winter that caused a record number of domestic household claims with burst pipes, water leaks and general water damage.

You need to be prepared, as there are some claims that are just not covered under your household policy!…. damage caused by ‘lack of maintenance and repair’ being the most common repudiation of claims.

Just because your flat roof leaks as a result of heavy rain, or that water seeps through your walls as a result of a damaged or blocked rainwater pipe, does not mean that your insurers will consider this to be a valid claim!

To protect yourselves from this potential and common damage, it is easy to prevent by taking the following measures:-
– Ensure that all fallen leaves are cleared from gutters, drains and that the drain pipe is clear at the roof level. Some people put a tennis balls in the top of their drain pipes to stop the debris falling down the pipes and they rise when the water level in the gutter rises, however, more often than not they get stuck! This causes more damage to the property than it prevents.
– Ensure that all outside taps are turned off from an isolator in the property, or wrapped on the outside with insulation, as simply as a carrier bag full of newspaper to stop the water in the tap and pip from freezing in low temperatures.
– Ensure that the lagging of pipes in loft areas are in place and in good order, especially if you have loft area insulation which will lower the temperature in the loft area and may in cold weather cause the pipes to freeze and burst.
– If you have a flat roof, you should ensure that it is maintained in good order and inspected on a regular basis, the average life of a normal felt flat roof is 15 years, so if it does need replacing, then you should consider doing this and perhaps using the newer plastic coverings that are now available that have a ‘lifetime’ guarantee.
– Ensure that paths and decking is kept clean of algae and leaves, as slips do occur and visitors with visitor coming onto your premises, you should take care of their safety.
– Fireworks!! Be really careful when you set off fireworks from your premises, have consideration to your property and those around you, particularly where you are close to Thatched Properties.
– Chinese Lanterns, these are especially dangerous in an area where there are a number of Thatched and non standard construction buildings. DO NOT USE THEM. The fuel that is carried by them is enough to set a property alight if it should land on them.

We hope that this information is of use to you, and that you enjoy November and the firework festivities, and look forward to a claim free Christmas ahead.

Highhouse Insurance will be more than willing to give Free Advice and guidance on property insurance, just call us directly on 0845 230 1477 and speak to us.