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Weathering the storm This winter has seen the United Kingdom take a real battering from the elements. Countless homes and businesses have suffered an unprecedented onslaught, and the cost has been immense - not just in financial terms, but in the heartache and loss for those affected. It’s time to ask yourself… how ready are you for a spell of severe weather? Last-minute preparations are no good when a storm is rolling in and the heavens have opened. It pays to think ahead, and to make longer-term plans for the safety and security of your home. This isn’t as daunting as it might seem - some simple steps can mean the difference between “thank goodness” and “if only”. The winter 2015 floods had a devastating effect, leaving many lives (and livelihoods) in tatters. While the authorities work to learn lessons so as to prevent future disasters on this scale, it’s down to you to make changes on a more immediate level. The first step is, of course, to think about stopping water getting in if a flood does strike. Fitting flood boards over your doors is usually an effective
measure, and raising damp-proof brick courses is also advisable. Water can also be kept out through the use of covers on ventilation bricks, and non-return valves and water inlet/outlet pipes. Remember, though, flood preparation isn’t solely about stopping water getting into your property in the first place. It’s about minimising the effect it has if you can’t stop it getting in - some simple measures can help flood water drain away more quickly, so you can get back to normal more quickly afterwards. A good first step is to make sure your gutters are clear and in good condition. In some cases it’s safer for your property if flood water does actually get in, so prepare your home accordingly. Keep precious items on high shelves, and make sure any audio-visual equipment such as your TV is not near ground level. Water and electricity don’t mix, and a flood could destroy your home’s power supply. Electrical sockets, fuse boxes and wiring should be 1.5 metres away from the floor; if you’re rewiring, bring cables down the wall to the sockets so as to keep them higher up wherever possible.
Elsewhere in your home, use water-resistant skirting boards to reduce the damage caused by flood water. Raise appliances (such as kitchen white goods) on plinths and you’ll avoid incurring further costs.
about what your home needs, and while you can’t plan for every eventuality, you’ll certainly be in a much better position if the weather turns bad again.
Of course, flooding isn’t the only extreme weather you should be wary of. High winds can cause more damage than you might expect, and what starts as a windy spell can quickly turn into a hazardous environment.
If you’re in any doubt about the readiness of your home for extreme weather, call in a professional. The cost of a consultation could pale into insignificance when you compare it to the price you might pay for not being prepared.
Loose roof tiles might just seem like a nuisance, but can cause massive damage. They’ll leave your roof more vulnerable to rainwater and debris, but that’s just the beginning - falling tiles could damage your car or injure a passerby, leaving you with more inconvenience and expense.
Finally, be sure to check that your home insurance policy covers you for severe weather damage. The phone call won’t take long, and your mind could be put at rest in a few moments - but if you haven’t got the right cover, it’s better to find out now, while you have a chance to do something about it!
Outbuildings are also at risk in extreme weather; that loose felt roof on the shed might have been a minor hassle in the past, but if it’s suddenly torn away, your garden equipment could suddenly be exposed to the elements. Be sure to check all areas of your property! There’s no shortcut to extreme weather preparation - if you’re not ready by the time an alert is given, you won’t have time to get ready. So take a little time to think
Want to know more? Call 01253 393106 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
Is your car ready for spring? Looking after your car should be a part of your normal routine, but in the day-to-day rush of things, it can be easy to take the wellbeing of your four wheels for granted. However, the winter weather presents its own particular challenges, so it pays to check a few key things. Did you hit any potholes through the winter? It’s possible - there are enough of them around. The damage they cause isn’t immediately obvious, such as in the case of slow punctures, which can cause potentially lethal blowouts at high speeds. Cold weather can also cause extra wear on your tyres, both in terms of tread wear and perishing; and as your tyres are the only point of contact you have with the road, you absolutely can’t neglect them. Bear in mind that low-profile tyres are particularly susceptible to pothole damage. Likewise, your windscreen wiper blades have probably suffered through the winter months. Chances are, they’ve worked harder than they do in the summer,
clearing rain and sleet from your windscreen; but they naturally degrade over time too, which makes them far less effective. They should be replaced every 12 months, and there’s no time like the present. Keeping your car in good condition may seem like a chore, but it really isn’t. It’s an investment in your safety, and part of your duty as a responsible driver. So take a little time to check the details, and you’ll always be confident on the road.
Want to know more? Call 01253 393106 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
Off the beaten track
Going on holiday doesn’t have to be about lying on the beach for a week. The rise of budget airlines and we-do-it-all-for-you travel websites means it’s never been easier to book different kinds of trips. A road trip or city break can open your eyes to new types of holidays, but don’t let a break in your holiday routine get in the way of the safety considerations. All the normal holiday precautions still apply - thinking outside the box in your choice of break also means you have to consider your holiday safety from a new angle. Driving trip? Check the road laws in your destination country, paying particular attention to speed limits, insurance requirements and drink-driving limits. City break? If you’re not going to be away for long, your travel timings might be tight, so double-check all your departure and arrival details. Short stay travel insurance may be a cost-effective option if you’re only going on one trip this year - this kind of policy covers travel to a specific destination. Annual travel insurance, meanwhile, covers you for multiple trips throughout the year, so it’s great if you’re planning several short (or long!) breaks. Adventure holiday? Don’t assume that the holiday insurance which served you so well for all those beach holidays will cover you for a safari or snowmobile excursion. If you’re planning to do anything out of the ordinary, check the limitations of your holiday insurance policy.
Don’t get caught out by a cold snap
It’s the same every year. Just when we think we’re heading out of the cold weather, we wake up one morning to a covering of frost or - worse - ice. All it takes is a change in the weather patterns for the temperature to drop sharply, bringing with it all kinds of unwelcome challenges. Make sure your home is ready for a sudden cold spell. Pipes should be lagged, especially in colder places like the loft, and you may consider putting your central heating on for short spells throughout the day to keep the property’s temperature up. Going away? Set the timer so the heating comes on for at least an hour a day, to keep the chill off. Mornings are often the worst part of a cold snap. If your car is iced over, it can be tempting to leave the engine running while you carry on getting ready, but this is a perfect invitation to opportunist car thieves - and if you leave your car unattended with the keys in, your insurance provider will probably walk away from you.
Keeping a cold weather kit in your car is a must. It only takes a few minutes to put together the essentials, and you could well be glad of them if your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident. Of course, another key consideration is always your breakdown insurance, so if you haven’t got the right cover in place, it’s better to think about it now than when you find yourself stranded.
Cold weather kit - Blanket - Torch - Ice scraper - Spade - Grit or cat litter - Spare tyre - Jump leads
- De-icer - First aid kit - Flask of hot drink - Non-perishable food - Snow chains - Rope
Want to know more? Call 01253 393106 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
Become a traveller, not a tourist Travel broadens the mind, or so they say. With a near-infinite choice of trips and destinations out there, it seems there’s something for everyone. Don’t let that make you complacent, though - every trip deserves careful consideration on a number of levels. As with all things, advance preparation is always a good start. Check that your passport is up to date, and that you have any necessary visas for the period you’ll be away. Bear in mind, too, that as well as requiring some head-scratching when you fill in the forms, a visa can take several months to be granted. Make sure you’re aware of any political issues in your destination country which might impact on your safety. Just because a country isn’t making headlines doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe. As well as checking the relevant government safety advice, be aware of what the Foreign and Commonwealth Office can and can’t do for you if you need help while you’re away. Likewise, keep yourself up to speed with the health situation of wherever you’re heading, and prepare accordingly. Some vaccinations consist of a course of several injections several weeks apart, so a
last-minute appointment with the doctor isn’t going to help. The right travel insurance cover is an absolute essential. There’s no room for compromise here; if you need to make a claim but find that your cover isn’t sufficient, you won’t be able to argue the case and plead for help - quite apart, of course, from any medical or service bills you’ll have to pay. The age of the internet means you don’t have to take all your important documents with you. Use a secure storage website such as Dropbox or Google Drive to keep scans of paperwork, so that you can access them if you need to. Sparing a thought for loved ones when you’re planning a trip isn’t just about promising to send a postcard. Leave emergency contact details with a trusted friend or family member, so that they can contact you if they need to. If you’re going on a multistage trip, agree in advance when you’ll keep in touch so that someone always knows where you are. A trip abroad should be an adventure in all the right ways. A little research and preparation goes a long way, so think ahead and you’ll enjoy it all the more.
Want to know more? Call 01253 393106 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
All set, indoors and out Lighter mornings and daffodils give us a glimpse into the (hopefully) better weather to come. Before you grab your gardening gloves and head out to tidy up the flower beds, though, it’s worth taking stock of the condition of your outdoor and indoor spaces. Home maintenance often comes onto the agenda at this time of year. Check for signs of winter damage such as loose tiles, blocked gutters and clogged drains; sorting them out isn’t pleasant, but it’s better than the alternative. If you’re wary of working at heights, don’t take risks with your own safety - get a professional in. Look out for signs of wear and tear. Shed doors are often weak - do you really want thieves to let themselves in and help themselves? Trellises or wallmounted ladders may have become loose - they could fall and cause damage or injury. Mortar in the walls may have crumbled over the winter and be prone to damp - re-pointing will help your home in the long term. Garden tools are often neglected from one year to the next, so give them some TLC and you’ll reap the benefits. After months locked in a cold, damp room, electric tools such as lawnmowers should be thoroughly
checked over, with particular attention paid to their power cables. Bladed tools should be sharpened, and hinged items such as shears need to be oiled. This isn’t just about looking like an experienced gardener; it’s an important part of keeping your garden equipment safe and effective. Head indoors and there’s more food for thought. Try to look at your home with fresh eyes and consider any recent additions you’ve made, as these might need to be reflected in your home contents insurance. That shiny new television might be your latest pride and joy… if you were burgled, would you be able to claim for it? The value of the gadgets in your home can mount up without you realising it. Specialist items like golf clubs or antiques should always be flagged up to your insurer in case you need additional cover.
Taxi insurance is fare enough… Taxi insurance is notoriously more expensive than ordinary motor insurance, but the reasons why aren’t as well known. On balance, it makes sense - after all, taxi drivers cover a lot more miles, often in crowded conditions, and their vehicles are often larger in order to accommodate passengers. However, this doesn’t mean arranging your taxi insurance should be overly complex. As with car insurance, there are many different kinds of taxi insurance available, so there’s sure to be a policy that suits you. Private hire covers taxis which have to be pre-booked or wait at a designated rank, whereas public hire (also known as hackney carriage hire) covers taxis which
can be hailed in the street too. Naturally, the type of vehicle is also a consideration, with saloons, black cabs, minibuses, MPVs and limousines subject to different conditions. A recent addition to the fold is camera taxi insurance, which aims to combat the rise in “crash for cash” planned collisions or false allegations of dangerous driving. A small camera is fitted in your taxi and records what happens in front of you - the results can mean the difference between a successful claim, and being off the road for longer than you can afford. Taxi insurance can be arranged quickly and easily with BP Insurance Brokers, letting you get out on the road more quickly!
Risky business Business insurance isn’t just for suit-wearing high-flyers and corporate giants. Every company should have the right kind of insurance in place, and there are plenty of good reasons for it. As with all insurance, it’s about protecting yourself, making sure you aren’t left in the lurch if something goes wrong. Bought a shirt and injured yourself on a pin left in the cuff? The shop’s public liability insurance is there to make sure you can claim from them. Likewise, a tradesman who reverses his van into your garden wall will be covered by his insurance, so you won’t have to foot the bill yourself. Every enterprise needs the right business insurance - it’s what makes for a more accountable, responsible marketplace. The principle is, if you’re providing a product or service, there’s a risk involved. Even the most delicious cupcake loses some of its sparkle if the artisan
baker who made it didn’t see the bit of rust that fell in from the inside of the oven. Arranging business insurance might seem like a bit of a hassle, with phone calls to make and forms to sign. However, it’s more straightforward than you might think, and once it’s organised, it won’t be on your mind any more. Spending a few minutes getting your policy sorted is surely a lot more enjoyable than finding yourself on the wrong end of a court case!
Want to know more? Call 01253 393076 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
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Insurance claims - a masterclass The idea of claiming for something on your insurance is never an enticing one, but how many people actually know what to do? The shock of having to actually make a claim, especially if you need to do so under stressful or distressing circumstances, can make it difficult to think clearly. With this in mind we’ve collected some of the most important steps you need to take if you need to put in a claim. Would you know what to do?
STEP 1 Stay calm and take a deep breath. Whatever’s happened, there are some things you just need to get on with.
STEP 2 Remember that your insurer is here to help. If you’re insured with BP Insurance Brokers, give us a call - the number you need is in your policy booklet. If your policy is with a different insurer, they will have provided you with the relevant contact details.
STEP 3 Time for some common sense. Reduce the loss and damage you’ve suffered by making emergency repairs where possible. If your roof has been damaged, make it watertight; if there’s water dripping onto your priceless Persian rug, put a bucket there; and so on.
STEP 4
STEP 3
Hold your nerve. Don’t authorise repairs until we (or your insurer) have approved the quote - if your claim is rejected after you’ve had the work done, you’ll be out of pocket. Instead, get at least two quotes, and go for the best one.
Notepads at the ready, everyone. Exchange your contact details and insurance information with the third party in the accident, as well as with anyone who witnessed it. The more people who saw what happened, the better your chances of making a claim. Make a note of the number plates of all the cars too.
If you’ve been involved in a motor accident, there’s a different procedure, but you should work hard to stay calm at all times, and not let the stress of the event cloud your judgement.
STEP 4
STEP 1
Take pictures of the scene, and of damage to any vehicles or properties involved. If this isn’t possible, draw a sketch showing the positions of the vehicles. Memories of the event can become clouded over time, so a record from the day itself is important.
Don’t admit blame of any kind at the scene - this could negate your insurance policy.
STEP 5
STEP 2 Safety first. Is anyone injured, or has the accident caused a hazardous situation? If so, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) immediately.
Call your insurer to report the accident and start the claim process. They’ll be able to guide you through the next steps.
A home away from home
A holiday home can make a huge difference to the way you spend your time away from home. No time spent poring over brochures or websites for the right resort - you know what you’ll find when you get there, and there’s no need to find your away around when you get there, so you can get on with enjoying yourself. Holiday home insurance is one less thing off your mind when it comes to looking after your vacation property. As you spend less time there than you do at home, it’s important to know it’s taken care of. Some policies will even help with travel costs if you need to go to your holiday home in an emergency. At its heart, holiday home insurance is a kind of
buildings and contents cover; however, as the point of a holiday home is that you don’t spend much of your time there, there are usually stipulations. For example, a holiday home is more prone to sustaining damage from a frozen pipe or water leak, because you’re not there to check on it. If you let your holiday home as a form of income, the right policy can safeguard you against tenants who cause damage, or who are injured as a result of staying in your property. It’s worth remembering that the value of the contents you can insure under a let holiday home insurance policy might be restricted, as other people will be in the property. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re in any doubt, ask your insurer - there’s a policy out there for pretty much every situation!
Want to know more? Call 01253 393076 or visit www.bpib.co.uk to find out how we could help you.
Spring is a time for new beginnings and adventure - make sure you’re properly covered, whatever you might get up to! The BP Insurance Brokers team are ready to help you find the right insurance.
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The information in this publication is provided by Marionette Facilities Ltd t/a BP Insurance Brokers and whilst every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from professional tradesman or professional bodies. Marionette Facilities Ltd t/a BP Insurance Brokers its employees and agents will not be responsible for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on this information. Marionette Facilities Ltd trading as BP Insurance Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Register number is 307072. Our permitted business is advising, arranging, dealing as agent and assisting in the administration and performance of general insurance contracts. You may check this on the FCA register by visiting the FCA website, www.fca.org.uk or contacting the FCA on 0845 606 1234. Marionette Facilities Ltd. T/A B.P. Insurance Brokers. Registered in England No. 3240346. Registered Office: Marionette House, 73-75 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 9DA.