February 19th, 2010
Comet Replacement Services (CRS), which provides insurers and adjusters, with the support of product replacement, has launched a text message coupon service that accelerates the claims process.
Using mobile technology developed by exchange of good cons Solutions eagle eye, Comet vouchers can now be delivered to any mobile device via text message.
The message contains a ten digit number is entered into the system of cash and bought a manner similar to pre-loaded plastic cards.
Vouchers can be fully or partially spent, and any remaining value is sent to the customer in a second text message.
The system allows insurers to settle claims of a few hours, which means that the applicant may purchase the same day the claim was validated.
According to CRS, the transaction is completely secure good and also has environmental benefits that no plastic or paper is required in the process.
The spokesman for the firm, Sue Cuthbert, commented: “The comet is often at the forefront of technology, bringing the latest developments of its customers to ensure they continue to have the best customer experience. ”
CRS is currently working with 14 of the top 50 insurers in the United Kingdom, processing about 150,000 claims annually.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
HomeLet’s Insurance Landlord’s + is now available on the websites of insurance JML.
This new product offers a wide range of insurance cover including buildings, contents insurance and Prestige rental guarantee that covers legal fees and lease payments for up to one year.
John Boyle, MD HomeLet said that the landlord’s insurance +, created with extensive consultation with the owners and leasing agents, is the only product of its type available on the market today.
Boyle went on to say that the product was competitively priced, and has also proposed an overall level of coverage.
The Landlord’s Insurance + follows on the heels of the wildly successful book tenants contents insurance +, which helped boost sales policy HomeLet’s up to 121%.
It has also been developed to help counter the growing dangers caused by rising unemployment and rising crime, creating a need for specific insurance for owners.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
Enservio predicts that 2010 will be “the year of content” in the United States, insurers like the deployment of new products to improve their offers.
The firm based in Boston, which provides content inventory, evaluation and replacement services and software, argues that proprietary products have been a leader of “loss” over the last ten years.
He blames the trend on decadal processes imprecise and inefficient content claims “and suggests that new technologies and services can overcome the economy of the insurance.
Chief executive officer, Jon McNeil, said: “Now that process more sophisticated and detailed analysis are available, carriers and heads of claims claims see content as a great opportunity to finally put the owners of Tender” on the rails profitability. ”
According Enservio, the first users of new solutions content claims have already significantly reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction.
Aviva may well take note because he has ambitious plans for expansion of the United States in the years to come.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published a guide to good practice for comparison websites, insurance brokers and insurers in online sales of general insurance.
According to the Association, over two thirds of customers now use the Internet to arrange their motor insurance only, and guidelines should help consumers better identify policies tailored to their needs.
The main areas covered are:
Information Policy: Guests must be able to examine key characteristics of policy selected before they commit to buy.
Add-ons: should clarify what coverage is provided as standard and this, are all sold as add-ons, such as home emergency insurance cover household.
Excess levels: the level of any voluntary or compulsory excess must be clearly visible and clearly explained.
Referrals: customers at a price that can be offered should be directed to other possible sources of assistance such as specialized suppliers.
Director General of the ABI, Nick Starling said: “These guidelines will help ensure that customers get the best possible result in buying general insurance products online, and we urge all providers Insurance online for immediate adoption.
Dan Moore, spokesman for consumer group Which?, Added: “The ABI Guide to Good Practice is a step in the right direction, providing the recommendations are followed and enforced.”
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
M & S Home Insurance is claiming to be the UK’s leading provider of home insurance policies offer the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact, should they make a claim.
The company has introduced a reinstatement “sustainable” policy for kitchen appliances, which means that when a customer demands for a refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, they will offer a replacement is AAA rated for energy efficiency.
According to the insurer, replaced elements can potentially save up to 140 kg of CO2 each year.
In addition, if a property is severely damaged and guarantees a total reconstruction, it can be undertaken in accordance with the Code of sustainable homes using sustainable materials and improving energy efficiency of the property, if possible.
The search for M & S indicates that 61% of Britons could be interested in the new type of cover and the head of the insurance company, David Wells, said: “The response of household heads said that they want a policy that reduces the environmental impact of their homes in case of disaster, and we are proud to be able to satisfy this desire in our politics. ”
In other news General Insurance Association of British Insurers has published a guide to best practices to web sites for comparing prices, insurers and brokers online sale of general insurance.
According to the Association, over two thirds of customers now use the Internet to arrange their motor insurance only, and guidelines should help consumers better identify policies tailored to their needs.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
Marsh has developed a checklist for organizations dealing with winter conditions in the United Kingdom freezing.
The broker and risk adviser outlined a number of measures to protect staff, the public and assets, while at the same time maintaining services.
Some key areas covered by the firm are:
It’s worth running a check on all units of heating and insulation of buildings, including the lines outside.
Power and telephone cables should be inspected for ice, as well as fire hydrants and sprinkler valves.
If heaters are required, they must be properly maintained, with staff trained to use them and risk assessments Fire updated.
Company vehicles need regular inspections and drivers must be equipped with a shovel, a defroster, blankets, food and a bottle of hot drink and a fully charged mobile phone.
To reduce the impact of snow days, Marsh recommends firms review their business continuity plans.
When problems arise, customers and suppliers must be informed as soon as possible and the key staff should be encouraged to plan their availability for work if their method of travel is disrupted.
HR policies to deal with temporary absences should be in place and understood.
Companies must identify outdoor areas most likely to be affected by ice and to prevent and treat cold surface, forming and / or retain employees and pedestrians off the slippery surface.
Finally, all traffic and routes of travel on the site should be cleared of snow and ice and a supply of salt or sand available for maintenance of trails and roads free of ice.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
Households are warned to keep their homes warm during freezing weather or current risk of having their property flooded by broken water pipes.
Research by Virgin Money found water pipes burst and leak water “accounted for 15% of requests between December 2008 and November 2009.
The average amount paid for these claims was £ 3,000 compared to an average of less than £ 500 for theft of personal property.
“Some parts of the country could see a thaw, but cold weather is far from over and homeowners should be prepared for the effects that the cold could have on their property,” said Grant Bather, spokesperson Virgin Money.
“With the Met Office forecasts of colder weather in the coming weeks across the country, homeowners should ensure they have adequate insurance and take precautions to minimize the risk of freezing pipes or faulty.
“Turning your hot water and central heating for only an hour or two a day could help reduce the risk of freezing your pipes.”
In December Aviva said he saw water damage claims increased 500% during the cold spell last winter.
The water pipes in a loft can cause rupture of the water through a burst of property, interior damage, Aviva said.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
SJS Consultancy calls for more transparency between insurers and restaurants, hoping to simplify and improve the claims process and make a significant difference to the environment.
The company specializes in the management of damage and restoration, and founder Stuart Simpson notes: “In recent years there has been a growing lack of confidence between the insurer and the restaurant that led to complicated, lengthy and disastrous results for industry and the environment. ”
He attributes the failure to perceive that the food industry has been making money “on the back of someone else in disaster” and “delete properties without using the skills and resources available to restore.
According to Mr. Simpson, insurance companies now question the value added of restaurants, and more importantly, their work ethic.
However, SJS said he was committed to facilitate a better understanding between both parties and encourages a band of “zero” policy throughout the UK.
In other news on insurance claims and the environment, M & S Home Insurance recently began offering policyholders the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions, should they make a claim.
The company now has a reintegration “sustainable” policy for kitchen appliances, which means that when a customer demands for a refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, they will provide replacement is AAA rated for energy efficiency.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
Abbey for intermediaries is to alert mortgage brokers to the fact that they could be losers in a market potentially worth £ 30 million in commissions on the sales this year if they fail to exploit the market of the general insurance.
The lender suggests intermediaries can complement their business revenues by cross selling insurance products to homeowners, and as an encouragement has made some changes to its range of additional insurance.
Premiums were reduced on average by 17% by introducing a panel of three insurers to oversee the range: Aviva, Zurich and Groupama.
In addition, starting this week, the insurance add-ons are available on Bedroom Plus and build new policies
According to the bank, one in the building owners to purchase five or contents insurance when they take out a mortgage with an intermediary, which leaves 80% of insurance clients potential borrowers.
Abbey Intermediaries manager, Ricky Okey, said: “It is no secret that insurance provides a source of income more attractive to intermediaries, and yet there are still many people who dominate as a source of income. ”
He adds: “Brokers are missing if they do not take advantage of opportunities available to them in this lucrative market.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
The cost of damage caused by floods last November in Cumbria has exceeded 200 million pounds.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), its members have treated 36,000 flood and storm claims totaling an estimated £ 206 million with 60% of the amount of damage on businesses.
Interim payments made by insurers for homeowners and businesses have ranged from £ 250 to £ 400,000, and replacement of temporary accommodation was required for 470 policyholders affected by the flooding whose properties have been made uninhabitable until repairs were made.
The ABI is keen to stress that the insurers have done their best to help disaster victims get back on their feet, namely: to ensure the repair of a hotel have been completed in time to re-open for the holiday season and a shop in Cockermouth has been completely dried, Rewired and reopened in a month’s flooding.
Finally, the ABI’s director of general insurance and health Nick Starling, reminds businesses about the importance of ensuring continuity of activities that can allow a company to continue operations while recovers from a major incident and the local infrastructure is repaired.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
Fortis has launched a package of tips for homeowners on steps must be taken to stop water damage in cold weather.
Households should use the acronym “thaw” to remember parts of the house should be checked by cold weather – Taps, Heating, attics, and water, Fortis said.
Fortis advises keeping the heating on constantly at a low level during the ice season to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting.
Water damage was responsible for nearly three in ten home insurance claims last year with the average distribution worth £ 2,000.
“The free guide THAW notice a few simple checks that apply to virtually every household,” said Gary Lobb, spokesman for Fortis.
“They are simple to follow and could save lots of money, disruption and loss of personal items and valuables.”
Fortis has not explained why it waited for the majority of snow in the United Kingdom to melt before it issued the guide tips.
Categories: Homeowners Insurance |
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February 19th, 2010
As the money spent by fans of British music on MP3 downloads at the top bar of 1 billion pounds sterling, it appeared that most home insurance policies do not provide coverage on the music collections purchased Online.
Only one in twenty (5%) of people who download music from sites like Amazon and iTunes know with certainty that their digital music are covered by their insurance policy.
Almost one quarter (23%) expect that they would not be covered if their digital music collection has been lost or stolen.
More than half (55%) have not indication of whether their MP3 downloads are covered or not.
In reality, only one quarter (24%) providers to offer insurance coverage for music purchased online, with many of those providing less than £ 2,000 of coverage.
“Downloading music has taken off in recent years, but many home insurance policies are lagging behind in terms of people to cover their purchases,” said Ben Tyte, Finance, Sainsbury’s, which conducted the search.
“It’s a good idea to backup your collection to another computer as a precautionary measure.”
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