By Jonathan Waxman

Our Government has been a fabulous custodian of healthcare. Public memory is short and many of us have forgotten how difficult things were for patients before 1997. During the past decade we have seen a doubling in NHS spending. As a result, patients don’t have to wait for scans, are seen in hospitals within a reasonable time, and surgical waiting lists are relatively short.
Continued

AGREEMENT ON FLOOD INSURANCE IS GOOD NEWS FOR CUSTOMERS

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) and the Government have reached agreement that ensures flood insurance remains widely available now and in the long term.

The agreement outlines the actions that both Government and the industry will take over the long term. These include:
Continued

ABI COMMISSIONED OPINION RESEARCH INTO PUBLIC ATTITUDES TO FLOODING ONE YEAR ON FROM THE SUMMER FLOODS OF 2007

To coincide with the first anniversary of the 2007 summer floods, the ABI commissioned Populus to carry out a survey into public attitudes towards flooding. Populus interviewed a random sample of 1,000 adults in areas badly hit by the flooding in the summer 2007 in Yorkshire and Humberside and Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
They also interviewed a random sample of 1,000 adults across the country in areas not as badly hit by last summer’s floods.
KEY FINDINGS
Continued

The Summer Floods 2007: 0ne year on

Last summer was the wettest since records began. During June and July, insurers:

- dealt with four years’ worth of claims;
- handled 180,000 claims for flood-damaged homes, businesses and vehicles;
- arranged temporary accomodation for over 17,000 policyholders;
- paid out £3 billion in claims.

The Summer Floods 2007:Summer Floods 2007. one year on and beyond sets out how the insurance industry responded to the largest natural disaster yet in UK, and what action is now needed to manage the increasing risk of flooding
Continued

Motorists intent on driving their vehicles on foreign soil this year, have not only been warned to make sure they have European car insurance, but that they should also confirm they are driving with comprehensive cover.

According to new research from Sainsbury’s Car Insurance, 17 per cent of people are planning to tackle foreign roads within the next year, with almost half (48 per cent) of these admitting that they will drive in excess of 1,000 miles.
Continued


Insurers widen access to home insurance in the North East

The ABI has teamed up with insurer RSA and brokers Marsh to bring together housing providers from councils and housing associations at an event in the North East today, with the aim of widening access to home contents insurance.
Continued

Travel insurance is yet another in a long list of costs as we head overseas for a little rest and relaxation this summer, so it is tempting to give it a miss and keep the cash instead for a cocktail by the beach. In fact, this is just what one in seven UK tourists does when going abroad, reports market research company Defaqto.
Continued

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has issued advice to property owners who have suffered flood damage following flash floods in the West Country:

* Household and business insurance policies will cover flood damage. People affected should contact their insurer as soon as possible. Most offer 24-hour emergency helpline services to arrange for repairs to be carried out.
Continued

ABOUT Home and BUILDINGS INSURANCE

Buildings insurance policies differ in the cover they provide and in their terms and conditions. The information here is of a general nature - for detailed information you must read your policy.
Continued