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Don’t Need Private Medical Insurance? Think Again!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:53:53 +0000

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.

But there are areas of healthcare where things have gone badly wrong, where wrong meets bad, becomes worse, and then spirals to appalling, and these areas are approached through the bloodstained portals of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

This week’s NICE announcement on treating kidney cancer, a preliminary opinion about the value of new drugs, has sent doctors into apoplexy. Kidney cancer affects approximately 7,500 people in the UK each year, and there are 2,500 deaths. We have recently begun to understand the molecular biology of kidney cancer, and to know of its specific characteristics. Understanding these characteristics allows us to design treatments that exploit the differences between kidney cancer cells and normal cells. As a result, we have wonderful new treatments that double life expectancy in this condition.

NICE has evaluated these four new drugs for kidney cancer and indicated that these drugs will not be recommended for use in patients. This is against all sense, and contrary to the situation in the rest of Europe and in the United States, where these drugs are available. NICE has made its decision on the basis of an arcane and extraordinarily complex calculation which relates the benefit of treatment with these new drugs to a treatment that is comparatively ineffective.

So, a fabulous new treatment has been compared to junk, and the costing for the new treatment ratioed up to give a conclusion on costs, which is absolute nonsense (and here I underplay the argument against the decision). In its defence, NICE might feel it has a moral responsibility to save money. But it is a short-sighted morality if the sums involved - as they are in the case of kidney cancer treatments - are paltry.

In the past seven years there have been 407 NICE guidances on cancer. It would be an understatement to remark that virtually all of them have been controversial. Many guidances have been stomped on by judicial review or overruled by health ministers. Now, with this latest decision NICE has told us all how irrelevant it is and why it should be abolished.

NICE was set up in 1999 with a brief to provide clinical guidelines and technology assessments for England and Wales (there is a separate panel for Scotland). But there is no equivalent of it in any other European country, or in the US. In Europe and the US, decisions about the value of treatment are made at the time of licensing of the drug, through either the European Medicines Agency or the American Food and Drug Administration. In Europe and America squabbles about costs are ironed out at this stage, after negotiations between pharmaceutical companies and governments.

NICE is slow about making decisions. It takes two or three years to give its judgment after a drug has been licensed. Input into NICE is made through the Department of Health, by health professionals, patients and pharmaceutical companies. NICE’s timetable for the review of cancer drugs is dictated by the Department of Health. The department tells NICE when to start the review process and when to conclude its review. The NICE committees are patrolled and staffed by health economists - with minority involvement by clinicians - who give a view as to the value of a drug or treatment in the context of a QALY, which is a “year of quality added life”. To put this in simple terms, if a drug is reasonably effective, and also reasonably cheap, then NICE concludes that it can recommend that the drug is used by the community.

But, before the “community” gets to use the drug, there is a second rank of decision-making. Primary care trusts, which are not legally obliged to follow NICE advice, are local area committees that make decisions on how the NHS budget is spent in their part of the country. There are 149 trusts in England and Wales issuing decisions about whether or not it is reasonable to prescribe a drug within its domain. So if the administrators of the PCTs for Bolton, Bognor and Bournemouth are all able to make independent decisions as to whether to follow NICE rulings, why do we need NICE?

Now with this absurd and arrogant decision on the value of drugs for kidney cancer, NICE has told us that it is absurd, arrogant and unnecessary. Our country should no longer underwrite the costs of NICE, which are currently at £30 million a year, and due to increase. This is a sum that could usefully be spent on providing drugs for cancer patients in a country where we spend less on cancer treatments than on drugs for constipation - in a country where, as a result of NICE’s appalling and uneducated interventions, we spend less than two thirds of the European average on drug treatments for our cancer patients.

Jonathan Waxman is Professor of Oncology at Imperial College, London

Flood Insurance here to stay

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:54:46 +0000

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:

• Improving understanding of flood risk.
• Government putting in place a long-term investment strategy, which will set out strategic flood prevention aims and assess future policy options and funding needs
• Ensuring that the planning system prevents inappropriate development in flood- risk areas.
• Raising awareness in areas where flood risks are significant, encouraging property owners to take sensible precautions, and providing more information about how to obtain flood insurance.
• Promoting access to home insurance for low-income households.

Implementing these steps should lead to a competitive flood insurance market, without the need for the Statement of Principles, which will therefore end in 2013. Until then, insurers will continue to:

- Make flood insurance for homes and small businesses available under household and commercial insurance, where the flood risk is no worse than a 1 in 75 [1.3%] annual risk.

- Offer flood cover to existing domestic and small business customers at significant flood risk, providing there are plans to reduce the risk to an acceptable level within five years.

Floods Minister, Phil Woolas, said:

“The devastation caused by last year’s unprecedented rainfall has shown just how vital it is for people to be able to insure their homes and livelihoods against the risk of flooding.

“Working together we have succeeded in ensuring that flood cover is available in both the short and long term. I’m delighted that the industry has agreed to work with us to raise awareness and encourage homeowners to take steps to protect their homes where appropriate.”

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said:

“This agreement is good news for everyone at risk of flooding. We are pleased that the Government recognises that a long-term investment strategy, adequately funded, is the best way to manage the growing flood threat. It will help ensure that the flood insurance protection, relied upon by millions of householders and businesses, remains widely available. We will continue to work closely with Government, and review progress each year.”

Notes for Editors

1. Details of the full agreement between the ABI and the Government and
details of continuing work and commitments can be found at: www.abi.org.uk, and http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/insurance/govtcommitments.htm.
The joint statement itself can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/insurance/jointstatement.htmFor more information about insurance please go to: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/insurance.htm
For more information about insurance please go to: www.abi.org.uk

2. Government and the ABI announced the annual review of the Statement of Principles on 13 February this year. The agreement outlines the measures Government and the industry will take to ensure flood insurance remains available.

3. The Statement of Principles on the Provision of Flood Insurance applies to England. Similar discussions are at an advanced stage of agreements with the devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

4. The Statement of Principles will not apply to properties built from 2009.

5. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

6. Enquiries to ABI :
Jonathan French 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)
An ISDN line is available for broadcasts

7. For any Defra press enquiries related to this announcement please contact Luisa Diaz on 0207 238 6043 / luisa.diaz@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website
www.defra.gov.uk
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Increased Danger of Flood Risk

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:13:03 +0000

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

THE PUBLIC THINK THAT THE FLOOD RISK IS RISING AND MORE ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO MANAGE THE DANGER
• 8 out of 10 people (81%) of those badly hit by flooding last summer think the flood risk is getting worse. Among the public as a whole, nearly two-thirds (64%) think that the risk is getting worse.
• Three quarters (74%) of both those badly hit last summer and the general public that were not badly affected think that not enough is being done to tackle the flood issue.

THERE IS OVERWELMING PUBLIC BACKING FOR THE ABI’s CALL FOR MORE GOVERNMENT ACTION
• Both 9 out of 10 (91%) of those in areas badly hit last summer, and the general public (92%) agree that the ABI should put more pressure on the Government to better manage the problem.
• Not surprisingly, most who were affected by the floods (76%) and the general public (74%) say that better flood defences / management should be paid for by increased Government spending (15% say ‘Other’, but the survey did not require them to specify).

IMPROVEMENTS IN DRAINAGE, GREATER INVESTMENT IN DEFENCES AND BETTER PLANNING CONTROLS ARE THE KEY MEASURES NEEDED TO REDUCE FLOOD RISK.

• Almost total agreement - 98% of those affected and 96% of the general public - that improvements to the UK’s drainage system is the most important first step in tackling flooding.
• 97% of those in flood risk areas (93% of the general public) say that there must be tougher controls on where new homes are built.
• 96% think that the Government must invest more money in flood defences.
INSURERS DID A GOOD JOB IN DEALING WITH THE HUGE NUMBER OF FLOOD CLAIMS LAST SUMMER
• The response of the insurance industry was better than local authorities, the Environment Agency and the Government. Our rating improved since the last survey carried out in November last year, when we were second behind local authorities. Now our score is 3.35 out of 5 (3.26 last time). The Government’s rating has fallen from 2.64 to 2.50.

CUSTOMERS RECOGNISE THAT THE COST OF FLOOD INSURANCE HAS TO REFLECT THE FLOOD RISK (BUT DO NOT EXPECT THEIR PREMIUMS TO RISE FOLLOWING ‘ROUTINE’ DISASTERS)

• Two-thirds (66%) of those in flood risk areas (who are likely to have seen the highest of any premium rises) recognise that it is only fair that the cost of flood insurance will rise if flood risk get worse. 73% of the general public think this is fair.
• But most - 70% - feel that for the unexpected events which insurers normally expect (and budget for), then insurers should not automatically increase premiums.

WE NEED A NEW APPROACH TO BUILDING NEW HOMES

• Three quarters of those surveyed – 78% in flood affected areas and 73% of the general public – said that the Government’s target of 3 million new homes by 2020 should be reduced if it leads to more homes at risk of flooding.
• 93% of those badly affected last summer and of the general public say that new developments should only be built where there are adequate flood defences in place or planned.
• 85% of those affected and of the general public agree that all new homes built should incorporate flood-resilient features.
• There is overwhelming support for a recognised standard or kitemark to show new homes built to flood-resilient standards – 91% in flood hit areas and of the general public think this is a good idea.
Association of British Insurers

Huge Cost of Summer Floods

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:35:39 +0000

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

Survey of public attitudes towards flooding. Carried out on behalf of the ABI by Populus to mark the first year anniversary of the 2007 summer floods, this highlights widespread concern on the flood risk, and that not enough is being done to manage and reduce it.

Responding to major floods: What to expect from your home insurer. This explains what you can expect and when from your home insurance company when a major flood occurs. It will guide you through every stage of the process.What Happens Now?.

A guide to home insurance. This will help you to make sure that your home and your possessions are adequately insured, and explains what buildings and contents insurance covers.

Insurance Warning for European Drivers

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:53:55 +0000

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.

However, most will not tell their car insurance company of their plans meaning that they may see their UK comprehensive cover reduced to third party when abroad.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance manager said: “Having an accident anywhere is bad enough but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local knowledge, to then find that the other party’s damage is covered but not your own, is surely a blow worth avoiding.”

Drivers have also been advised to be aware of the specialist driving laws which are present in individual countries.

As well as driving on the other side of the road, motorists may also have to follow laws such as carrying warning triangles or a full set of spare bulbs.

Get a Pay as you Go policy and see how much you can save Free QuoteCLICK HERE

Have a Laugh

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:02:10 +0000

Affordable Insurance for those on Low Income

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:08:29 +0000

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.


‘Insurance with Rent’ is a scheme under which tenants can access affordable home insurance, paid for weekly, fortnightly or monthly alongside their rent.  Local authorities and housing associations run the schemes and collect premiums at the same time as collecting rent. The aim of this event is to bring together expertise from the insurance, housing and local government sectors to share good practice and generate ideas to encourage a higher take-up by residents.
The event is part of the ABI’s broader initiative to address the barriers to financial inclusion.
James King, the ABI’s Assistant Director, Markets and Regulation, said:
“For people on low incomes, buying insurance is sometimes not a priority. However, it is often the most vulnerable who can benefit the most from insurance. The aim of this event is to share information about how we can all serve this section of society better in order to protect them against risk that they cannot otherwise manage.”
Debbie Southall, Social Housing Schemes Manager at RSA, said:
 “RSA has been providing schemes for social housing tenants for over 15 years, designed to be as simple, flexible and affordable as possible.  Average weekly premiums can be as low as £1.50 and are usually collected with rental payments. 
“We support the Government’s view that Insurance With Rent schemes are a key way of broadening access to basic insurance and believe it is important that as an industry we raise awareness of the availability of these products.”

Travel Insurance | Caveat Emptor

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:15:43 +0000

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.


But the cost of being uninsured can be huge if something goes wrong. According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, just two days in a hospital ward will cost you an average of around £1,600 in Mediterranean countries. For two days in intensive care, reckon on £5,000. Go further afield and the costs of not being covered can be even greater. In the US, for instance, suffer a broken bone and you can expect to pay between £20,000 and £30,000 to have it treated.
Put simply, travel insurance is essential, although it’s important to shop around for the best deal. The cost will depend on: how long you want to be covered; your health or age; how many people you need to put on the policy; and your destination.
Defaqto estimates that the average cost of covering a single trip for one person travelling in Europe is around £16 for seven days and £20 for 17 days. A family of four will pay around £37 for a week and £50 for 17 days.
These figures double if you are going further – particularly to the US, due to the cost of American healthcare. However, if you are planning a lot of travel over the course of a year, an annual policy usually works out cheaper than buying separate cover for each visit. Multi-trip insurance for travel in Europe will cost a single person around £50, a couple £78, and a family £89. Worldwide annual cover, including trips to the US, adds between £20 and £30 to these figures.
Increasingly, banks are using free travel insurance to lure customers into migrating from a standard bank account to a fee-paying premium account. However, experts warn that these policies may not offer the same level of cover as stand-alone annual or single-trip policies. “These linked policies tend to be quite slim in what they offer,” says Ian Durrell from the price-comparison service OnlyFinance.com. “They may not provide cover for very large personal liability claims, or they may have exclusions hidden in the small print.”
He adds: “Anyone considering relying on this type of policy ought to check the terms and conditions and phone their provider before they go to make sure they are protected for what they plan to do. Don’t just assume the policy will cover you.”
That goes for older travellers too. Recently, mainstream travel insurers have woken up to the fact that retirees tend to have both the time and the inclination to get away – and that older doesn’t necessarily mean frail. So although specialist companies such as Saga, Age Concern and Help the Aged may suit your needs, you can now shop around for better deals. And those people over 80 and 90 are more readily catered for than ever before.
However, be aware that pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered. “As you get older, the chances of ill-health or having a condition increase,” says Mr Durrell. “Insurers will not want to be liable for this.”
Researching premiums levied by different policies is the most straightforward route to cutting costs, although you should ensure you are comparing like with like in terms of what you are covered for. However, if you’re looking to shave off a little more, the fine print could hold the key. The fundamental elements of all travel insurance policies deal with medical issues, baggage, personal liability (damage done by you) and cancellation. “Individuals should be insured for around £5m of medical cover,” says Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at price-comparison site Moneysupermarket.com. “And the personal liability section should insure you against damage of up to around £2m. Most policies cover these amounts, and while you probably won’t need more, it’s not a good idea to cut this down.”
But equally, he adds, holidaymakers should beware of buying insurance they don’t need. “If you are travelling with hand luggage only, you won’t need thousands of pounds worth of cover that would normally pay for huge suitcases full of clothes.” You should check to see if expensive items in your hand luggage are covered in your household contents insurance under the “away from home” section – particularly as many travel policies only cover individual items in your baggage up to between £100 and £150.
Mr Gerrard continues: “You don’t need cancellation cover worth £5,000 if, for example, you are staying with friends and your only expenditure for the trip is £400 worth of flights. With flight operators financially stretched, however, it’s important to check that your policy will cover you if the company goes bust in the run-up to your trip or while you are away.”
If you are prepared to increase your personal excess – the amount you pay if things go wrong, before the insurance company takes over the expenses – you may also be able to bring down your premium. An excess of around £50 to £75 per person on a policy is usually plenty.
Elsewhere, the European Health Insurance Card (www.ehic.co.uk) – the new version of the E111 form – pays for any medical attention you may need in parts of continental Europe. Some insurers will waive your excess if you have this card.
They missed the boat and their policy left them high and dry
Damien Elvin, 27, from London, was looking forward to the cruise of a lifetime with girlfriend Caroline when their connecting flight was delayed by 34 hours and the ship sailed without them. Damien  thought his travel insurance policy, which came free with his Co-operative premium bank account, would cover the £1,400 cost of their missed holiday. He was wrong.
“We were due to fly back to the UK from a break in Cuba early one morning, with plenty of time before our cruise departed the next day. But the flight was delayed and we missed the boat. Being stuck in Cuba watching the hours slide by was like watching a car crash in slow motion. We rang the insurer from Cuba as soon as we realised we wouldn’t make it in time. But we found out that because the holidays were separate bookings, we were not covered for a missed departure.

“The main reason I had this bank account, which cost me £10 a month, was the free travel cover. I’m usually really careful with insurance, looking for cover to suit my needs rather than just the cheapest option, but because this was a premium current account, I made the foolish assumption it would be a premium level of insurance. It is a classic case of getting what you pay for.”

West Country | Flood Damage

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:20:01 +0000

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.

* If necessary arrange for temporary repairs to be carried out to stop any damage getting worse. Keep receipts, as these will be needed for your insurance claim.
* Most policies will cover the cost of alternative accommodation (up to a specified limit) if you need to move out of your home while it is being repaired.
* Comprehensive motor insurance will cover damage caused to vehicles
* Do not use electricity or water supplies until the all clear is given.
* If you can, take photographs of the damage. If you need to remove carpets or other badly damaged material from your home, keep a sample or photograph to show to your insurer.

Do not rush to redecorate, as it may take some weeks for the property to fully dry out.

Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance at the ABI said:

“These events highlight just how important insurance protection is. If you have been affected by flooding, contact your insurance company. Their priority is to deal with all claims as quickly as possible.”

Following last summer’s floods the insurance industry dealt with over 180,000 claims costing in the region of £3 billion.

Home / Buildings Insurance / What’s Covered

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:34:54 +0000

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.

Property Covered

In addition to the structure, a buildings policy covers permanent fixtures and fittings such as baths and toilets, fitted kitchens and bedroom cupboards. Interior decorations are also covered. Policies usually extend to include outbuildings such as garages, greenhouses and garden sheds. Boundary walls, fences, gates, paths, drives and swimming pools may not be covered - you need to check the policy if you need cover for these areas.

Against What Risks?

Most policies cover damage to your home by:

* Fire
* Aircraft or things falling from them
* Lightning
* Subsidence, heave and landslip
* Explosion
* Falling trees or branches
* Earthquake
* Impact by vehicles or animals
* Theft
* Breakage or collapse of aerials
* Riot and malicious persons
* Escape of water from tanks or pipes
* Storm and Flood
* Escape of oil from fixed heating installations

Extensions of Cover

Most buildings policies have valuable extensions of cover.

* Alternative Accommodation - If your home is so badly damaged that you cannot live in it until repairs are done, your policy will help to meet the reasonable cost of alternative accommodation up to a stated limit.
* Liability - If, as owner of your home you are responsible for any injury to someone or for damage to their property your policy will pay the damages and cost for which you are legally liable. There is usually an upper limit of £1 million or more. However, your main legal liability arises from you being occupier of your home and a contents policy covers this.
* Underground Pipes and Cables - supplying gas, electricity, oil or water, as well as sewage pipes, are insured against accidental damage. They are not insured against wear and tear.
* Glass - In doors, windows and skylights is covered against breakage together with baths, washbasins and WCs.

Exclusions

There are limits and exclusions to every policy so be sure you have read it. It is a legal contract and if there is anything you do not understand ask for an explanation.

One word you will come across is ‘excess’. An excess is an amount of money you have to pay towards the cost of each claim. Excesses vary in amount. They may apply only to certain types of claim or they may apply to all claims. Your policy will tell you. One excess that appears in almost all policies applies to damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip. This is usually a specific amount (for example £1,000). Common exclusions are war risks, damage caused by storm or flood to gates or fences, frost, sonic bangs and radioactive contamination from nuclear fuel or nuclear waste.

Sum Insured

The sum insured is the amount of money for which your home is covered. It is the most your insurers will pay under any circumstances. You must calculate an adequate sum insured to avoid claim payments being reduced because of under insurance. Regular checks should be made to ensure it remains correct. It is your responsibility to get the sum insured right.
The sum insured under a buildings policy must be the full rebuilding cost of the home. The market value of your home or the Council Tax band valuation have no direct relationship to the rebuilding cost of your home.

You can instruct a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to prepare a professional Rebuilding Cost Assessment for insurance purposes.
A Rebuilding Cost Assessment will normally be carried out by taking detailed measurements of the house and using the rebuilding cost information provided by BCIS. However, this may not be appropriate in certain circumstances where the method of Rebuilding Cost Assessment will need to be specially agreed. The information on this site gives you advice on how to check the rebuilding cost for a range of standard house types.

Index Linking

You must make sure that the sum insured is kept up to date to allow for changing rebuilding costs. Many insurers help by ‘index linking’ your policy. This simply means that your sum insured is altered automatically whenever there is a change in the rebuilding cost. Usually there is no charge for any increase between renewal dates. Index linking can work properly only if your sum insured is right to start with. Then make sure you keep it up to date by telling your insurance company if you improve your home - perhaps by installing central heating or building an extension. Do not rely on index linking alone to keep your sum insured up to date. Review your cover every few years.

Emergency Repairs

If your property is damaged, do what you can to stop the damage getting worse. Many policies cover the cost of temporary work. Some insurers provide emergency ‘helplines’ which will help you to find a competent tradesman who can carry out emergency repair work.

Prevention

Your insurance policy can help put things right, but cannot compensate for the upset and inconvenience. Take all the precautions you can to prevent the worst from happening. It has been found, in particular, that tree roots can cause damage to your own or your neighbour’s property. It is important to take professional advice before planting or felling trees.

BCIS Rebuilding Cost Guidance

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) produces a range of detailed guidance on the cost of rebuilding houses and flats. The ABI has commissioned BCIS to provide the general guidance included in the tables in the ‘Buildings Insurance for the Home Owners’ leaflet and the checking your sum insured calculator on this site, to help you check the adequacy of your sum insured.

BCIS publish three annual guides to surveyors and provide an on-line service.

* Guide to House Rebuilding Costs
* Regional Supplement
* Guide to Rebuilding Costs of Flats
* BCIS Rebuild Online

For details or to purchase these or other BCIS publications and services see www.bcis.co.uk
Further Information
If you need further advice on insurance, your building society, insurance company, broker or insurance adviser will be pleased to help.
Association of British Insurers
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents around 400 insurance companies, which between them account for over 98% of the business of UK insurance companies. The Association represents insurance companies to the Government and to regulatory and other agencies, and it provides a wide range of services to its members.