Homeowners Advised to Lower Risks and Claims
Homeowners have been warned that they are putting their homes in unnecessary risk from "easily preventable events" according to Stackhouse Poland, the specialist insurance broker.
The firm, which provides insurance for the high net worth sector, plus the full spectrum of protection for individuals, corporations and charities, has advised home owners to lower the risks that could be in and around their homes.
Keith Hester, from Stackhouse Poland said: "Recent years have seen some major natural disasters in this country, including devastating floods and freak tornados, but it's the little everyday things that cause the vast majority of accidents.
" He added: "A common reason behind house fires can be as surprising as leaving a mobile phone charging overnight - something that millions of people do on a regular basis - which can lead to curtains to catching fire and consequent widespread damage.
"Everyday seemingly harmless actions such as this can result in huge financial loss - not to mention physical risk - and drive up renewal premiums.
" Household risk management It was also highlighted that risk management can be a process that need not only be applied by large corporations, but also among home insurance customers, in regards to their property.
This can enable them to protect their homes against accidents and the need to make a claim, thus lowering the premiums that they have to pay.
Although the process of protecting a home against natural disasters such as from flooding, earthquakes or tornadoes, a simple walk around the home could highlight the areas which could be considered "potential hazards" and most affected in such instances and then be made safe by simple work and regular maintenance.
However some points may be easier to notice than others such as, a fire risk that could be caused by an overloaded power board, but the risk from a mirror placed in the wrong place, may not be as easily noted.
Hester also said: "It might sound far-fetched but on more than one occasion we have had claims from clients whose properties were seriously damaged by fires resulting from the sun reflecting off a convex shaving mirror onto curtains," Irreplaceable valuables For homeowners with valuable and personal possessions such as furniture, collections or interior decoration these cannot be easily replaced by an insurance claim, therefore property owners were advices to keep risks of damage to such items, to an "absolute minimum.
" Seasonal periods throughout the year such as, Christmas, along with Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night are seen as key times, when more parties or gatherings can take place and have been found to lead to a higher level of insurance claims being made.
Ensuring that the home is safe and secure around these times can be of great benefit.
In addition, Mr Hester concluded: "Making your home as inaccessible as possible to intruders goes a long way to keeping them out.
Cutting back hedges that provide cover for burglars, chaining up ladders to they can't be used - these are the kind of checks that must be made on a regular basis.
"Removing valuable items from view when the house is left empty for a period of time or leaving the glove box of your car open to show there's no sat-nav inside all reduce the likelihood of you being the thief's choice.
" As far as protecting your property against the elements, ensuring gutters are free from fallen leaves in autumn, having the chimney swept or drains checked, can prevent much aggravation, excess cost and disruption in and around the home or in the home owners pockets.
The firm, which provides insurance for the high net worth sector, plus the full spectrum of protection for individuals, corporations and charities, has advised home owners to lower the risks that could be in and around their homes.
Keith Hester, from Stackhouse Poland said: "Recent years have seen some major natural disasters in this country, including devastating floods and freak tornados, but it's the little everyday things that cause the vast majority of accidents.
" He added: "A common reason behind house fires can be as surprising as leaving a mobile phone charging overnight - something that millions of people do on a regular basis - which can lead to curtains to catching fire and consequent widespread damage.
"Everyday seemingly harmless actions such as this can result in huge financial loss - not to mention physical risk - and drive up renewal premiums.
" Household risk management It was also highlighted that risk management can be a process that need not only be applied by large corporations, but also among home insurance customers, in regards to their property.
This can enable them to protect their homes against accidents and the need to make a claim, thus lowering the premiums that they have to pay.
Although the process of protecting a home against natural disasters such as from flooding, earthquakes or tornadoes, a simple walk around the home could highlight the areas which could be considered "potential hazards" and most affected in such instances and then be made safe by simple work and regular maintenance.
However some points may be easier to notice than others such as, a fire risk that could be caused by an overloaded power board, but the risk from a mirror placed in the wrong place, may not be as easily noted.
Hester also said: "It might sound far-fetched but on more than one occasion we have had claims from clients whose properties were seriously damaged by fires resulting from the sun reflecting off a convex shaving mirror onto curtains," Irreplaceable valuables For homeowners with valuable and personal possessions such as furniture, collections or interior decoration these cannot be easily replaced by an insurance claim, therefore property owners were advices to keep risks of damage to such items, to an "absolute minimum.
" Seasonal periods throughout the year such as, Christmas, along with Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night are seen as key times, when more parties or gatherings can take place and have been found to lead to a higher level of insurance claims being made.
Ensuring that the home is safe and secure around these times can be of great benefit.
In addition, Mr Hester concluded: "Making your home as inaccessible as possible to intruders goes a long way to keeping them out.
Cutting back hedges that provide cover for burglars, chaining up ladders to they can't be used - these are the kind of checks that must be made on a regular basis.
"Removing valuable items from view when the house is left empty for a period of time or leaving the glove box of your car open to show there's no sat-nav inside all reduce the likelihood of you being the thief's choice.
" As far as protecting your property against the elements, ensuring gutters are free from fallen leaves in autumn, having the chimney swept or drains checked, can prevent much aggravation, excess cost and disruption in and around the home or in the home owners pockets.