Storm Damage - Things you should know.

With the recent high winds we've been having, I feel it would be important to remind our clients about the scope of their cover when it comes to Storm Damage; beit to their own home, a let property or an unoccupied property.

Unoccupied properties are often not covered against storm. When a property is unoccupied, the perils that the insurer will cover the property owner against are often restricted to just Fire, Lightning, Earthquake, Explosion and Aircraft only. Extended cover can be sourced which reinstates the standard perils (Storm, flood, escape of water etc) but this cover would carry a much higher premium and the maximum claim amount for the additional perils may be restricted to say £2,500 for any one claim.

One of the most common part of a property which would suffer damage in stormy conditions is fences. On any policy covering a property, it is common that storm damage to gates, fences and posts are excluded.

Another important point to note would be if your property has a flat roof. Flat roofs often carry an increased excess for ingress of water following a storm (typically £500). Also there would likely be an endorsement on the policy stating the flat roof needs to be annually inspected by a builder and for any defects to be immediately repaired.

If you are looking for a quote for your property or would like some advice, please call the commercial team on 01249 463206 or check out our website www.advanceinsurance.co.uk

Fleet Insurance

Employer's Responsibilities:

Employer's are legally responsible for employees who drive whilst at work and this extends
to employees who use their own private vehicles for business purposes.

Below are a few tips which will help ensure good fleet management and may help keep your premium costs
to a minimum;

Driver Safety:

Provide each driver with a handbook that sets out the driver's responsibilities.
This should include advice on what to do in the event of an accident.

Fleet Management:

Appoint a Fleet Manager
It's advisable and depending on size of company, compulsory to have a written Health & Safety policy.
Within this, a section on "driving at work" should be included.

Incident Reporting:
On appointment of a Fleet Manager, ensure that each and every incident is reported, logged and analysed.
This will help you notice any trends or training requirements.

Vehicle Safety:
Ensure that all employees who may drive for the company are vetted.
This should include an induction programme followed by regular assessment.
This will ensure that they hold the relevant licence and that they are medically fit.

For further information on Fleet Insurance or to obtain a quotation please contact our Commercial
Team on 01249 463206. We can quote on all sizes of fleets from 3 vehicles and upwards.

www.advanceinsurance.co.uk