Caution! Autumnal Hazards Ahead!

The UK climate usually means our brief summer leads to autumn in what seems like the blink of an eye.

Autumn is a time of year when people get to enjoy hot drinks again, eat some hearty food and wrap up warm indoors.

However, many homeowners don’t think to prep their properties for the weather accompanying the autumnal season.

Have you checked in with your clients recently? If not, use this guide to ensure your clients are ready to protect their homes before the weather starts to turn!

Prepare Before It’s Too Late!

Weather is often unpredictable and sometimes severe. Premium prices can be affected by weather-related factors, such as the frequency of claims and severity of the damages caused. Due to rising overheads such as material costs and price of labour, premium prices have increased in recent years.

Encourage your clients to invest in home insurance before the weather strikes and leaves them out of pocket. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Claims for damage to homes from storms, heavy rain and frozen pipes reached £144 million in Q2 of this year. This is the fifth consecutive quarter that weather-related claims have been above £100 million. 

Association of British Insurers (ABI)

Autumn is bound to see an increase in these figures as the weather gets colder, and the rainfall gets heavier and more frequent.

If you haven’t done so already, encourage your clients to be aware of risks like blocked gutters and roof damage to avoid water damage affecting their homes.

Regular maintenance checks and TLC can go a long way in keeping households safe!

Make Your Clients Aware!

Seasonal factors and relevant information from news outlets is a great way to help your clients remain prepared throughout the year, not just for autumn!

If you don’t do so already, at the turn of every season, reach out to your clients and offer them some advice about preparing for common claims and hazards seen in the coming months.

This method of consistent communication boosts your relationship with your client base and emphasises your role as a trusted figure to help with their financial investments.

We recommend providing your clients with useful guides, such as our autumnal piece here, so they know exactly what to look out for!

Home Security Measures Are a Must

With shorter daylight hours, the risk of burglaries can increase. Because of this, it’s essential to check your clients’ safety measures, such as burglar alarms and security cameras.

In 2023, the value of theft claims was up 15% (though still lower than pre-2020 levels).

Association of British Insurers (ABI)

Outdoor lighting is also a useful tool for your clients to have at their disposal, discouraging burglars and other unwanted guests from attempting break-ins. Having secure locks on doors and windows is also a must, as this can affect the validity of a claim.

Of course, smoke detectors are also a must for anyone looking to cover their property with in-depth and comprehensive insurance.

Comprehensive Cover for Clients

Having accurate building and contents protection shields your clients on all fronts – spreading a wide net to prevent risks.

Have you considered re-engaging with your clients before renewal and checking if their policy is still up to date? An inaccurate policy can lead to failed claims!

To provide your clients with a guide to keeping an accurate home insurance policy, send them our article here from our Proactive Renewal Supervisor, James!

Additional Cover in Autumn

With more time spent indoors during the colder months, the likelihood of Accidental Damage from broken items and spills is expected to increase.

Not all insurers will cover features like Accidental Damage or Alternative Accommodation as standard, so it’s useful to explain this to your client. Add-ons such as these can make a significant difference in protecting your clients’ homes but be sure to explain they cost extra.

For example, Source Home covers accidental damage to fixed glass, sanitary fixtures and ceramic hobs, underground pipes, tanks, cables and services included as standard.

However, extended cover is also available at an additional premium.

You can view our comparison chart here to see what else our product can offer your clients.

Prepare Your Clients for Potential Claims

Walk clients through the claims process so they know what to expect in the event of damage or loss during autumn.

This can be a good accompanying conversation to have when discussing potential risks that may happen.

Stress the importance of keeping receipts, taking photos of valuables, and documenting any damage immediately after it occurs.

The more evidence collected, the easier the claims process for the insurers.

References

ABI | Weather damage insurance claims worst on record