Walker Jack Consultants

It is nice to know that your travel insurance will be there to help when you need it most. When unforeseen events arise that cause a trip to be altered or cancelled, it is travel insurance that usually saves the day. To make sure your travel insurance qualifies for reimbursement, there are a few things you need to know.

If you are hoping to have your hotel accommodation reimbursed, there are two key elements to being successful with your claim. The first is that your hotel has to be pre-booked before your trip. Most travel insurance policies will not cover hotels that are booked after you arrive at your destination.

The other important element is that, for some policies, where you stay must be recognised as a tourist accommodation. This includes hotels, B&Bs, hostels, guesthouses and resorts. It is always a good ideal to check with your travel agent if you are unsure.    
 
With certain companies, you will also need to show that your accommodation was at least 25 miles away from your home. Some travel insurance companies insist on a 50-mile radius. Other travel insurance companies will not cover trips that are not of a personal nature.

Always keep your airline tickets, accommodation confirmation and any other receipts. These will help to prove your travel dates and the cost of your trip in the event that you have to make a claim.

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Many home insurance claims are the result of water damage to the building or its contents.  Water damage can often be prevented by fixing leaks and other plumbing concerns before the problem gets worse.  But what if you are not aware of the leak?  So-called ‘sneaky leaks’ can lead to water damage without warning.  Even though your home insurance provider may pay your claim you will suffer the inconvenience and hassle and may have to fork out for an insurance excess fee.

There is a simple way that can help you to find out whether there is a water leak in your home that is causing water to escape underground.  To try to detect a leak you should turn off all taps and note the water reading when no water is flowing through any taps or appliances.  Give it an hour or two and look at your water reading again.  If the figure is different you have cause for concern and should investigate whether there is a water leak on your property that you are not aware of.  Another sign of a sneaky leak is low water pressure, but you might not notice a drop in water pressure that progresses slowly.

Checking for sneaky leaks is especially important if you plan on leaving your home unattended for any length of time.  When you are away the leak can progress into a state where it causes major damage to your house and your possessions.  Always remember when you compare home insurance policies to look at whether water damage and flooding is included in the cover you buy.

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Levels of customer service and the quality of home insurance policies is so high these days it is unlikely that you will need to complain about your home insurance policy provider.  Nevertheless it is vital that you know how to complain in the event that the worst does happen.

The first thing to realise is that your home insurance provider does not want negative publicity and will take its reputation as a quality insurer seriously.  Therefore your complaint will be treated very seriously.

You will need to decide whether you wish to complain by telephone or letter.  Both have their particular advantages.  If your complaint is urgent, the phone is preferable.  Always make sure you have a record of what you want to say and your policy details, and take the name of the representative that you speak to.  Make a record of the conversation if possible.  If complaining by letter, write “complaint” at the top, along with your policy number.

If you feel your home insurance provider has not resolved your complaint to your satisfaction, contact the insurance division of the Financial Ombudsman Service.  They can give you further advice on taking the claim further.  You may be entitled to compensation.

Finally, remember you can switch your home insurance with minimum fuss.  It is easy to compare home insurance and find a new insurance provider.  If your complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily it may be advisable to find a different insurer.

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Paying More for Your Car Insurance
Insuring your car as a young driver is more costly than for other drivers.  The age range for young drivers is up to 25 years.  This puts young drivers in the same group as over 70s, who also have to pay more based on their age.  This is because it has been statistically proven over the years that the under 25s and the over 70s are the riskiest drivers on the road.

How to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Low
Nonetheless, there are some ways in which you can minimise the costs of insuring your car if you are under 25 years of age.  A sure way of lifting the premiums is by driving a sporty or high-powered car or a car that has been modified for speed and road holding.  Thus, a great way of keeping insurance costs low is to avoid these and to drive a regular car.

Shopping Around for the Best Insurance Deals
Further, you can shop around for a good young person’s insurance deal.  Some insurers look specifically at your age and the type of car you are insuring to decide the premium you have to pay.  Others, however, consider your professional status and age, so it is worth checking several insurers before deciding on one.

You can also decide to insure yourself in addition to the risk of an accident and damage to your own car and another.

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When it comes to Buildings Insurance it is a comment misconception to assume that this only covers the actual building or structure.  This is not the case, as it usually covers anything on your property but outside the building and is considered to be a permanent fixture, such as a driveway, garage or even fences. 

However, there are additional exclusions that may apply to these external fixtures.  Fences and gates damaged by floods are not covered, for example and any claim for subsidence must also affect your house in order to be considered, so you need to make sure you are aware of the limitations of the policy you have and arrange extra cover if you feel that you need it.

Buildings insurance typically covers damage which has been caused by flooding and fires, smoke damage, heavy storms and lightning, subsidence, damage caused by vandalism or theft, damaged caused by a water leak (although repairs to the leaking pipe or tank will not be covered) and any damage caused by an aerial or a satellite dish (although the item itself will have to be claimed for under a contents insurance policy). 

You can also claim for some expenses that may be incurred as a result of damage to your home and property.  You may be able to claim accommodation expenses if your home cannot be lived in while repairs are carried out.  You may also be covered if you damage someone else’s property.  Some insurers will include this in the cost of cover and others will add an extra charge for it.

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