News

More homeowners are joining the Neighbourhood Watch

Internal Administrator — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:14:17 GMT

An increasing number of Britons are making use of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in their local communities, according to new research. Comparison site GoCompare.com found that the number of customers who declared membership of such schemes rose by 38 per cent in the last 12 months. Furthermore, the majority of them (59

Bungling burglars book taxi as getaway vehicle

Internal Administrator — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:38:49 GMT

Two burglars who used a taxi to haul their goods were easily caught, after ordering the vehicle without using an alias. Kevin Forrester and Robert Scullion stole electrical equipment worth thousands of pounds from the garden log cabin of Kevin Banker in Haverhill. They put the items into a shopping trolley from a nea

One in six UK homes are at risk of flooding

Internal Administrator — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:35:59 GMT

Around five million UK homes, the equivalent of one in six, are at risk of water damage thanks to government cuts to flood defence funds. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says that the budget will be cut by ten per cent over the current spending period. Currently, there are no long-term stra

Homeowners must take safety precautions during cold snap

Internal Administrator — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:41:27 GMT

Households should take steps to protect themselves and their homes during the cold snap which is predicted to hit Britain. Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as minus ten degrees Celsius, thanks to an onslaught of raw Siberian winds from the east. The Met Office has issued weather warnings throughout the UK.

Serial burglar vows to steal more

Internal Administrator — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:50:06 GMT

A prolific burglar, whose ill-gotten gains were confiscated by police, has vowed to go on a crime spree as soon as he is released from prison. Ronnie Tretton, a 27-year-old from Leigh-on-Sea had more than £1,000 seized by the court under the Proceeds of Crime Act. However, during his hearing at Southend Magistr

December stats hopeful but housing market uncertain, says CML

Internal Administrator — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:42:15 GMT

Mortgage lending showed a marked increase in December, but the housing market outlook for the year ahead remains unclear, says the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Gross mortgage lending in December 2011 was at £11.7 billion, a 12 per cent drop from the previous month but a 12 per cent rise from December 2010.

Fire fighters issue warnings during Electrical Fire Safety Week

Internal Administrator — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:59:42 GMT

Fire fighters across the UK are urging home owners to take particular care during Electrical Fire Safety Week, which runs from January 23rd to January 29th. The Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has teamed up with Fire Kills to inform consumers of how best to look after their home and avoid fire hazards.

HSBC pledges �3bn to first time buyers

Internal Administrator — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:47:56 GMT

HSBC has set aside £3 billion for lending to first time buyers looking to get on the property ladder. According to research, this will benefit an estimated 27,000 consumers buying their first homes. So far, the bank has shown dedication to its services for first time buyers, who have benefited from its maximum

More than 200,000 homeowners face flood insurance problems

Internal Administrator — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:31:50 GMT

Homeowners who live in flood-risk areas could face repossession and be left uninsured because the agreement protecting them is not going to be renewed. The government's statement of principles on insuring flood-risk properties is due to expire in June 2013, and currently there is no replacement deal in place, leav

Carbon monoxide detectors are 'essential'

Internal Administrator — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:39:43 GMT

All households should be fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm located close to the boiler, according to experts at 1st Action. Richard Clarke, chairman at the plumbing and heating firm, also said that homeowners can minimise the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring that their appliances are checked regularly

UK courts adopt new sentencing guidelines for burglaries

Internal Administrator — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:39:39 GMT

New sentencing guidelines have come into force in the UK courts with the effect on the victim as central to determining the sentence, it was reported by the BBC. A burglary will be considered more serious if it is judged to be racially or religiously aggravated, or motivated by hostility based on the victim's sexu

TV star's stolen car returned after burglary

Internal Administrator — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:39:46 GMT

TV host Graham Norton has had his stolen car returned after making a radio plea following the burglary of his Wapping home. Mr Norton returned home in the early hours of Saturday morning to find that his house had been broken into and his black Lexus hybrid 4x4 had been stolen. The comic told listeners on his BBC Two

Hire accredited contracts for storm damage, says APL

Internal Administrator — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:39:45 GMT

The Association of Professional Landscapers is urging consumers to hire accredited contractors to repair damage caused to their gardens by the recent stormy weather. While customers may be tempted to employ tradesmen who are offering storm-related repairs at a reduced rate, they should be vigilant about hiring a lands

Spate of Welsh burglaries prompts police warning

Internal Administrator — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:39:41 GMT

Homeowners in South Wales are being urged by the police to make sure they lock up at night after a spate of burglaries in the area. Eight houses in Cyncoed, Cardiff, have been targeted in the last four weeks and three properties in Bridgend have been broken into over the last two days. Police are encouraging househ

Households are in for a "nasty energy bill shock"

Internal Administrator — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:03:15 GMT

Home owners could be hit with a hefty energy bill this month, according to Moneysupermarket.com. Data from the comparison site found that consumers use 40 per cent of their annual energy consumption during the winter months, which could lead to customers receiving a "nasty shock" when their energy bill arriv

Home owners warned to be prepared for 'unfortunate eventualities'

Internal Administrator — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:03:12 GMT

Home owners have been advised to secure their property in light of severe weather warnings and heavy rain across the UK. Comparison site Moneysupermarket.com has urged consumers to take the necessary measures to protect their homes from flooding. Peter Harrison, insurance expert at Moneysupermarket.com said: "Ma

Smoke alarm 'one new year?s resolution that could save lives'

Internal Administrator — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:24:44 GMT

A fire service is urging home owners to make installing a smoke alarm one of their new year’s resolutions. Fire prevention experts at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue say that this is one change for 2012 that should be prioritised along with the usual resolutions to get healthy and manage finances. An  estimat

200,000 homes may be left without flood cover, says ABI

Internal Administrator — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:59:35 GMT

Thousands of people whose homes were flooded in 2007 could be left unable to get insurance unless the government and insurers agree to a new policy. In 2007, a high proportion of the UK was affected by severe flooding, with the damage costing insurance companies a total of £3 billion. The Association of British

Burglars target Peter Crouch's �4.5m home

Internal Administrator — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:44:01 GMT

Burglars have broken into the home of England striker Peter Crouch and stolen £100,000 in valuables. Crouch and his wife, model Abbey Clancy, were out on Tuesday when his £4.5 million Cheshire mansion was burgled. A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said the burglary was reported just before 7.20pm. She added:

Ex-burglar reveals Christmas 'top ten' and offers advice

Internal Administrator — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:43:55 GMT

Homeowners have been offered advice on how to protect their possessions this Christmas by a former thief. Comparison site Confused.com spoke to security expert (and ex-burglar) Michael Fraser to find out what thieves will be targeting this Christmas and how to protect valuable belongings. According to Mr Fraser, iPad

Christmas TV will inspire more travel

Internal Administrator — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:43:29 GMT

As families around the UK curl up in front of the TV on Christmas day, many will be inspired to travel by the places they see. The BBC's Frozen Planet has already prompted a surge in popularity for expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic, and this is likely to be boosted by its Christmas highlights show and

Treating pets at Christmas could be harmful to their health

Internal Administrator — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:50:18 GMT

Pet owners who feed their pets scraps off the dinner table along with chocolate treats could cause their animals serious injury. Vet Bruce Waddell from the Willows Veterinary Hospital in Hartford told the Norwich Guardian that when animal lovers are tempted to share food with their cats and dogs, it can have "fat

Road charity says tax spend is "unfair"

Internal Administrator — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:38:57 GMT

Leading road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists has said that the fact the government spends just a third of tax money on issues affecting Britain's drivers is unfair. It was recently announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) that the government generated around £27 billion in 2010 from

Insulation is vital to protecting the home

Internal Administrator — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:47:41 GMT

Homeowners have been advised that the best way to protect their house from damage this winter is to make sure insulation is installed throughout the property. It was estimated recently by the Association of British Insurers that winter damage through problems such as burst pipes cost insurance companies £730 mil

Caravanning gives more options

Internal Administrator — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:04:53 GMT

People who choose to take their holidays in a caravan have more options for what they can do whilst they are getting away this winter. According to Polly Bishop, press officer for the Caravan Club, people who have hobbies or specific interests can benefit from holidaying in a caravan, because they can move around to v

Private rental homes more at risk of winter damage

Internal Administrator — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:20:35 GMT

Privately rented homes across the country could be at greater risk of damage from the weather this winter because many are not fit for purpose, but tenants rely on landlords for making changes. According to Citizens Advice and Friends of the Earth, it costs some private tenants thousands of pounds to heat homes which

Two-thirds of drivers oppose lights switch off

Internal Administrator — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:20:31 GMT

More than two-thirds of drivers in the UK oppose the switching off of lights on the road at night, as they feel less safe when they are driving in the hours of darkness. The government has been switching lights off at night on some of the country's busiest motorways in a bid to become more energy efficient, throug

Protect the home and car this winter

Internal Administrator — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:53:41 GMT

With winter conditions starting to worsen, the nights getting darker, and persistent snowfall creeping ever closer, British homeowners are being urged to look out their home insurance policy to check the small print. The most important thing to look out for on a policy is that things like frozen pipes and floods res

British homes to be battered by wintry weather

Internal Administrator — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:53:37 GMT

The wintry weather and stormy conditions which caused home insurance claims to rise last week are set to continue to batter British households over the next week, says the Met Office. Heavy rain, snowfall and further driving winds will continue the trend of the stormiest weather Britain has seen for a long time acro

Travellers purchasing breaks online

Internal Administrator — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:33:30 GMT

More people than ever are now turning to the online market when it comes to booking their holidays rather than going to the traditional high street travel agent. TUI Travel, which recently had to close a number of its shops due to poor footfall, has said that it may face closing even more if the current trend continue

Many UK pets uninsured by owners

Internal Administrator — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:33:29 GMT

The majority of animal lovers in the UK do not have pet insurance policies to look after the health of their companions, despite the risk of high vet bills in the case of an emergency. New research from GoComapre has discovered that 56 per cent of those who have a pet have never bought an insurance policy for it, desp

Do not turn a blind eye to cold conditions

Internal Administrator — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:33:28 GMT

With autumn in the UK being decidedly milder than usual this year, people may be excused for believing that they can take a chance and not change to winter tyres this year. However, leading road charity TyreSafe has said that it is better to be safe than sorry, as the promised cold snap is now expected to be on the wa

Caravanning to become more popular in 2012

Internal Administrator — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:33:24 GMT

With the tightening of financers for many people throughout the UK, many people may opt to partake in a caravan holiday at home next year as opposed to the more traditional jet setting summer get away. Jon Dale, public relations manager at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said the number of members who are now taking

Lock doors and windows to deter burglars

Internal Administrator — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:31 GMT

Police in Essex have urged homeowners to make sure that they are protecting their gifts this December to make sure there is no disappointment come Christmas morning. Home insurance customers have been told that the most effective way to make sure that gifts are safe from the unscrupulous paws of opportunistic burgla

Photograph valuables in case of theft

Internal Administrator — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:30 GMT

Homeowners could increase the chances of retrieving their items if they are stolen by photographing all valuables and items of sentimental worth in the home. According to Hampshire Constabulary, the unusual measure can make it easier to reunite recovered stolen items with their owners. Although home insurance will

Sensible drivers to be rewarded for not drinking

Internal Administrator — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:36:17 GMT

A new campaign launched by the government will promote sensible behaviour on the road this winter by advertising on TV, radio, and in 8,000 pubs and clubs around the country. Car insurance customers aged between 17 and 29 are being targeted by the government's THINK! campaign, launched earlier in the week by roa

Get ready for ski holidays

Internal Administrator — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:36:13 GMT

As well as making sure that their travel insurance covers them suitably for things like lost property and the increased risk of injury, those who are heading out of the UK on skiing trips should make sure that they are physically prepared for their trip. Recently, Defaqto said that only one in ten insurance policies o

If you drink at Christmas, just don't drive

Internal Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:46:40 GMT

A driving charity has urged those who partake in Christmas festivities throughout this month to make sure that they are not putting their own safety, as well as that of others, at risk this month. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has told those with car insurance that it is important to know how they are go

Overweight pets should be weaned off overeating

Internal Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:46:37 GMT

People with pet insurance who want to ensure that their dog is healthy should be careful to they look after its weight, as overweight dogs can have severe health issues. According to Sarah Linehan, qualified dog behaviourist and trainer at the Pet Experience, those who find out that their dog is heavier than it should

Icelandic volcano threatens eruption

Internal Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:39:45 GMT

Travel insurance customers have been warned that there could be further disruption to international travel over the next few months, as another volcano in Iceland threatens to erupt. Last year, the Eyjafjallajokull emitted an ash cloud which caused thousands of flights across the world to be cancelled. However, acc

Make careful considerations before buying a pet

Internal Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:39:41 GMT

People have long been warned over the risks of buying someone a pet for Christmas. However, as the festive period draws nearer, many people will see it as an option, leading to an increase in people looking for pet insurance online. According to one expert though, it is vital to consider what kind of animal you can ta

Brake backs winter drink driving campaign

Internal Administrator — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:39:27 GMT

Road charity Brake has backed a new campaign from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) which is designed to cut down on the number of casualties on roads caused by people drink driving. ACPO deputy chief constable Suzette Davenport said that police officers would be cracking down on those car insurance cu

Winter tyres will not affect premiums

Internal Administrator — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:39:23 GMT

Car insurance customers have been assured that the fitting of winter tyres to their vehicles this year will not cause extra charges to be levied on their policies. The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which works with 90 per cent of motor insurers, has said that there should be no additional charge for custome

British DIY enthusiasts causing rise in claims

Internal Administrator — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:17:24 GMT

People in the UK whose budget is being squeezed by the current cost of living rising and the low relative increase in wages, are turning more often to making their own home improvements. A recent survey from Confused.com has found that 53 per cent of people with house insurance are now opting to turn their hand to D

People hit by floods should claim as soon as they can

Internal Administrator — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:17:22 GMT

People with house insurance policies have been urged to trust their insurers to help them with their claim as soon as they can if their home is damaged, to make sure their needs are met. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said that people in Scotland who have been left devastated by the early winter floo

Tenants need to know their winter obligations

Internal Administrator — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:17:21 GMT

People who live in rental homes in the private property sector need to know their own personal winter responsibilities when it comes to avoiding house insurance claims throughout the cold months this year. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has said that it is important for tenants to make sure the

Less than a fifth of homes energy efficient

Internal Administrator — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:17:20 GMT

Less than a fifth of the UK population are making their homes suitably energy efficient, which could be saving them money on their energy bills this winter. A new survey from uSwitch has found that only 19 per cent of house insurance customers have taken measures to make sure their home is fully efficient. Of those

Energy price reprieve for customers

Internal Administrator — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:17:17 GMT

Home insurance customers who get their energy from one independent gas and electricity provider may be given a boost this winter, after it was revealed that the company has scrapped planned price increases. Ovo Energy had announced in October that it was planning to increase the prices on its variable rates tariff b

CAA given authority to protect passengers

Internal Administrator — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:15:40 GMT

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to be given powers to protect customers, as it will soon be permitted to issue airports with a fine for poor performance. Travel insurance customers who experience poor service or issues such as persistent delays and loss of luggage may take solace in the fact that the CAA will

One in ten travel policies have no winter sports cover

Internal Administrator — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:41:06 GMT

People travelling to foreign climes for a winter sports holiday and a spot of skiing over the festive period should make sure that their travel insurance policy includes adequate winter sports cover. New research from Defaqto has discovered that one in ten travel insurance policies do not come with winter sports c