Stormy Weather Ahead, Check Your Home Insurance
When the sun is shining and the kiddies have the paddling pool out, winter storms are a long way from most people’s thoughts. Not just winter, either, as the August storms of just a few years ago caused absolute havoc. Maybe it’s time to turn your thoughts to some property maintenance, while the suns still shining.
The main hazards are falling trees, loose roof slates and masonry, as they can cause damage both to cars and pedestrians. Roof tiles can mean that water can get into your home and do untold damage. By inspecting the roof and gutters regularly, minor repairs can be carried out and a lot of hassle saved. Lots of people are unaware of exactly what is covered in their buildings policy – make sure you’re not one of them.
Things need to be checked out on a regular basis. Simply cleaning out the gutters means there’s less risk of them getting blocked and overflowing. Nearby trees make the matter ten times worse. It’s not a particularly pleasant job, but it’s something that just has to be done. Whilst you’re checking the roof to see if there are any loose tiles, you should take the opportunity to check for cracking or pointing problems. Check too for rotten branches on trees and make sure that boundary walls and fences are secure.
Buildings insurance will usually cover damage to your home, plus any domestic outbuildings. Paths and driveways are normally covered too. Although the terms flood and storm are quoted, it may be that extremely strong winds or abnormally heavy rain conditions which cause damage are not covered. This begs the question if abnormally strong winds cause damage, is this not a storm? It shows that you should check your policy and be absolutely sure of what is covered and what’s not. Emergency cover is invaluable and well worth adding if it’s not already there.
Home emergency cover costs very little to add to a typical policy and it offers a great deal of peace of mind. It covers plumbing, drainage, heating and power supply problems. It’s not normally absolute cover, but tends to pay a set sum per claim which will cover a call out charge, plus the cost of two hours labour and an amount towards parts and material.
There are many insurance companies offering this type of cover, but you should be warned that there’s a very wide variation in terms. Again, read the small print again and again to make sure you’re covered for the situations that concern you. If you’ve been with your insurer for some time, you may have got into the habit of just renewing your policy each year. This is a mistake; you don’t have to stick with the same old company. Next time your policy comes up for renewal, check out the opposition. You may find you can make a big
saving and even improve on the cover. Lots of companies give discounts for new customers and the best prices are to be found on-line. Log on and find an independent home insurance advisor, who’ll give you all the help you need to find the right cover at a fair price.
You’ve had to make a claim on your Home Insurance due to a bad storm. But have you thought who you want your home to go to when you die? You might want to leave it to your children, whatever your thoughts are you need to stipulate it in your Will! At the Dial A Will website you can find all the information you need to know on Last Will and Testaments, Wills, Free Wills and Wills and Trusts. So to protect your family investments, make a Will with us today!
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