Insurance & Protection...

We will search through a range of general insurance policies to find the one that suits you best. So this year, leave the shopping to us, as just one phone call could find the most suitable cover and price for you.

Buildings Insurance

If you have a mortgage, your lender will insist that your property (and their security) is protected by buildings insurance. It usually pays out if your property is destroyed by fire, floods or subsidence (although you will need to check if you live on a flood plain, for example). Damage to fixed fittings such as baths and kitchens are often included, as well as sheds, greenhouses and garages. You might be offered buildings insurance when you take out your mortgage, but you don't have to take what's on offer.

We will save you time by arranging this for you. If you purchase a leasehold property (such as a flat in a block of flats) the freeholder may have arranged buildings insurance for the whole block, in which case you may not need your own buildings policy.

What isn't covered?
Your cover is based on what your home would cost to rebuild. You can check whether you have enough buildings insurance through the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) website. It has an online tool to help you calculate the sum you should insure your building(s) for, in case your home has to be entirely rebuilt. You need to tell your insurer if you extend your property, for example with a loft conversion or conservatory. Your belongings are not covered - these need to be covered separately with contents insurance.

Keeping costs down
You may also find that you get a better deal if you buy buildings and contents insurance together. Most policies have a standard excess charge which means you agree to pay the first part of any claim, for example the first £50 or £100. If you agree to pay a higher excess you might get a cheaper policy. Always compare what's covered by a policy, not just the price - the key policy information will help you do this. Some might be cheaper than others, but they may not offer the same level of protection.

Cover options may include:
Accidental Damage Cover
No Claims Discount
Legal Liability

Contents Insurance

What is it?
It covers the loss of or damage to the contents of your home. This includes your furniture, electrical goods and other items within your home. Some policies cover you for items you take outside, for example cameras, jewellery and briefcases. Different policies offer different levels of cover but generally you'll be covered against theft and fire, and have the option to insure against damage you may cause by accident. It is always vital that you thoroughly read and understand the full policy terms and conditions.

What isn't covered?
Anything beyond the maximum amount your insurer says they will pay, and it may pay a maximum amount on single articles. You'll need to specify the value of the contents. Some companies have limits on the value of any one item under the general policy so you'll need to specify individual items such as expensive jewellery or camera equipment, for example. Your cover may also be affected or cancelled if you leave your home empty for a long period of time, or if you let it out. Damage to the building itself is also not covered; this needs to be covered separately with Buildings insurance.

Keeping costs down
Many insurers will offer discounts if you have a burglar alarm, window locks or if you're a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. You may also get a deal if you combine contents and buildings insurance. Most policies have a standard excess charge which means you agree to pay the first part of any claim, for example the first £50 or £100. If you agree to pay a higher excess you might get a cheaper policy. Always compare what's covered by a policy, not just the price - the key policy information will help you do this. Some might be cheaper than others, but they may not offer the same level of protection.

Level of cover
Some contents insurance policies offer new for old. This means they'll replace old damaged appliances and possessions with new ones when you claim. Bear in mind that your premiums may increase the following year, or the insurance company may refuse to cover you for the same risk if it happens more than twice, for example.

Cover options may include:
Accidental Damage Cover
Credit Card Misuse
Deeds, registered bonds and personal documents
No Claims Discount
Domestic outbuilding contents (other than garages)
Door lock replacement
Gold, silver, jewellery and furs

Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover

If you have an accident, fall ill or lose your job through no fault of your own, you might have major difficulties in continuing your mortgage payments and might even lose your home. Accident, sickness and unemployment cover can ensure that your payments are kept up to date for up to 12 months. Quite often you hear 'it could never happen to me' or 'I'll sort it out later'..... Well the old maxim of ''failing to plan is planning to fail'' is no better suited to the ignoring of crucial decisions on protection.... As one would imagine, there are many types of protection policies to choose from. Finding the one that provides adequate cover and the right protection is not as easy as you may think. As protection advisers we can help you find the one that best meets your requirements.

Life Assurance

What is it? A Term life insurance plan is the most basic form of life insurance and is usually the cheapest way to insure your life. It covers you for a fixed period and pays out a one off lump sum if you die during the policy term. With some term insurance policies you can add additional options, for instance critical illness cover. If you do add on critical illness cover, the plan will pay out once on diagnosis of a qualifying critical illness or if you die during the term of the policy.

Who is it for?
This type of plan is designed for those who want to leave a lump sum in the event of their death within a specified time period whilst keeping the cost to a minimum. Term assurance can protect your family from the financial implications of a personal tragedy and is particularly important if you have young children or dependents. It can be used to cover a mortgage, other loan or to ensure that your family is protected from the effects of having to repay a debt after the main breadwinner has passed away. As protection advisers we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

THE PLAN WILL HAVE NO CASH IN VALUE AT ANY TIME AND WILL CEASE AT THE END OF THE TERM. IF PREMIUMS ARE NOT MAINTAINED, THEN COVER WILL LAPSE.

Critical Illness Cover

What is it?
A Critical Illness plan is designed to pay out a lump sum on the diagnosis of certain specified illnesses. It is often 'bolted on' to a life assurance policy as an additional benefit but can also be a standalone plan.

Who is it for?
This type of plan is designed for those individuals or families whom want a lump sum if they are diagnosed with a serious illness. As an example of where this lump sum could be used is to repay a loan, mortgage, or perhaps pay for time off work. The lump sum could even be used to pay for any necessary alterations to your home. The quality of cover and the illnesses covered can vary significantly between different providers. As protection advisers we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

THE POLICY MAY NOT COVER ALL THE DEFINITIONS OF A CRITICAL ILLNESS. FOR DEFINITIONS PLEASE REFER TO THE KEY FEATURES AND POLICY DOCUMENT.

THE PLAN WILL HAVE NO CASH IN VALUE AT ANY TIME AND WILL CEASE AT THE END OF THE TERM. IF PREMIUMS ARE NOT MAINTAINED, THEN COVER WILL LAPSE.

Income Protection

What is it?
An Income Protection plan is designed to pay out a regular income in the event you are unable to work due to an accident or illness. These types of plans continue to pay out an income as long as you are unable to return to work up until the end date of the policy (typically your normal retirement age). This type of plan is quite often seen as the foundation of any financial planning as it is likely that other plans will have to be given up if you do not have sufficient income coming into the household.

Who is it for?
This type of plan is designed for anyone whom is working (employed or self employed). It's worth pointing out that even if your employer provides sick pay, it is unlikely to last for longer than twelve months and so ongoing protection is essential. Plans can be adapted to fit in with any existing protection you might have. As protection advisers we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

THE PLAN WILL HAVE NO CASH IN VALUE AT ANY TIME AND WILL CEASE AT THE END OF THE TERM. IF PREMIUMS ARE NOT MAINTAINED, THEN COVER WILL LAPSE.

Mortgage Payment Protection

What is it?
A Mortgage Payment Protection plan is designed to ensure that you are able to continue to make your mortgage (and other related expenditure) payments in the event of accident, sickness or unemployment. It is often referred to as Accident, Sickness and Unemployment cover or ASU. These plans usually pay benefits for up to two years however, if you are seeking a plan that pays for a longer period, then Income Protection Insurance is generally more suitable.

Who is it for?
This type of plan is designed for those who are worried about being able to continue their mortgage payments in the event of losing income due to accident, sickness or unemployment. It is extremely important that you take professional advice before taking out this type of plan as they are not always the best nor cheapest option. As protection advisers we can help you find the plan that best meets your requirements.

THE PLAN WILL HAVE NO CASH IN VALUE AT ANY TIME AND WILL CEASE AT THE END OF THE TERM. IF PREMIUMS ARE NOT MAINTAINED, THEN COVER WILL LAPSE.

A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY.
YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.