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Your monthly update from West Craven
Welcome to the West Craven Insurance November Newsletter. This month we provide some helpful advice to keep you updated with the latest industry changes.
In particular, we take a look at:
- Over half a million uninsured cars have been seized since 2018.
- Modern eco homes and how much they could save you in the future?
- Should you let your car insurance renew automatically?
We hope you enjoy this month's edition!
‘Inexpensive’ ways to protect your home as winter approaches
HEATING your home in the winter is a necessity for most Britons as temperatures are predicted to plummet over the next few weeks. But is your boiler up to it? Here's how to prepare and protect your system and avoid costly repair jobs.
Click here to read ‘Inexpensive’ ways to protect your home as winter approaches.
How workplace safety will evolve this year
Many firms are asking staff to return to work in the office. We are no longer required to self-isolate with Covid and there is no obligation for staff to tell employers if they test positive. So what does this mean for workplace safety in 2022?
Infection prevention
Many employers are experiencing an increased expectation from their workforce to keep staff safe and well. Employers should continue to prioritise infection prevention and control, where possible increasing ventilation, reducing contact between employees and keeping the workplace clean.
Remote working obligations
Now that businesses of all types have adapted to remote working, many have embraced it. Some have even altered recruitment policies to widen the pool of talent and actively recruited people on remote-working contracts.
In the rush to shift to remote working in 2020, a large number of employers may not have taken the time to complete home-based working risk assessments. Now that remote working is here to stay, it is important that risk managers take seriously the health and safety responsibilities of people working at home. From electrical equipment to posture, employers have a legal duty to take appropriate measures to ensure their staff have a safe working environment outside of the workplace.
Mental Health
Employers across the country are placing mental health and wellbeing high up on their agenda, offering training to line managers and appointing roles such as a mental health first aider. In 2021, The Health & Safety Executive’s annual report on workplace health and safety statistics, showed 451,000 people suffering from a new case of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. That was a 30% year-on-year increase and we expect that figure to rise again.
Some employees will not feel comfortable returning to pre-pandemic working patterns. They may need help managing a phased return to the workplace, along with psychological support around coping with anxious thoughts.
For others, the last two years working from home may have taken a toll on their mental health. Employees working from home are more likely to feel isolated compared to those in a workplace, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression and a significant lack of motivation. Employers should be reassuring employees that they can ask for help and receive support if they need it.
Disputes linked to safety concerns
Risk managers need to be aware of the potential for unrelated disputes to play out in a workplace safety context. An employee with a grievance about terms of employment, a flexible working request or even a performance-related issue, could latch onto workplace safety as a justification for a certain course of action.
It is more important than ever for risk managers to work in partnership with Human Resources departments as well as individual line managers, ensuring processes are well-documented and paper trail management is scrupulous.
Now is a great time to ensure your insurance policies cover you for all the risks to which you may be exposed. To discuss any aspect of your company’s insurance policy portfolio, get in touch.
Have you sufficiently prepared your car for the spring season?
As the warmer weather sets in, days become longer and the evening skies are brighter, we know spring has arrived.
Throughout the winter, we’re all guilty of neglecting our cars’ needs. After all, spending time out in the cold, snowy weather, checking fluid levels, testing brakes and cleaning from top to bottom is not everyone’s cup of tea.
So, why not treat your car to its very own spring clean this month? Here are three things you can get started with.
Do you need new wipers?
The snow, rain, and icy weather that we encounter throughout the winter can mean that you need new wipers by the time spring arrives. If you notice your windscreen is streaky or still dirty after you have cleaned it, this may be a tell-tale sign that now is the time to invest in some new wipers.
Have you tested your brakes recently?
Signs that show your brakes may be wearing include squeaking or grinding noises when applying pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes can be professionally tested and fixed during a routine service, ensuring you, your family and your car are all safe!
Did you know that leaving your car dirty can cause damage?
With gritted roads and melting ice, your car can get particularly dirty during the winter. Now that spring has arrived, why not get your cleaning products out and make your car look new? Leaving dirt on your car can lead to micro-scratches and rusting paintwork – not something any car owner wants!
Is your car insurance policy up for renewal soon? Our knowledgeable experts are here to ensure you take out a sufficient policy that covers all your needs. Get in touch today to find out more.
How workplace safety will evolve this year
Many firms are asking staff to return to work in the office. We are no longer required to self-isolate with Covid and there is no obligation for staff to tell employers if they test positive. So what does this mean for workplace safety in 2022?
Infection prevention
Many employers are experiencing an increased expectation from their workforce to keep staff safe and well. Employers should continue to prioritise infection prevention and control, where possible increasing ventilation, reducing contact between employees and keeping the workplace clean.
Remote working obligations
Now that businesses of all types have adapted to remote working, many have embraced it. Some have even altered recruitment policies to widen the pool of talent and actively recruited people on remote-working contracts.
In the rush to shift to remote working in 2020, a large number of employers may not have taken the time to complete home-based working risk assessments. Now that remote working is here to stay, it is important that risk managers take seriously the health and safety responsibilities of people working at home. From electrical equipment to posture, employers have a legal duty to take appropriate measures to ensure their staff have a safe working environment outside of the workplace.
Mental Health
Employers across the country are placing mental health and wellbeing high up on their agenda, offering training to line managers and appointing roles such as a mental health first aider. In 2021, The Health & Safety Executive’s annual report on workplace health and safety statistics, showed 451,000 people suffering from a new case of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. That was a 30% year-on-year increase and we expect that figure to rise again.
Some employees will not feel comfortable returning to pre-pandemic working patterns. They may need help managing a phased return to the workplace, along with psychological support around coping with anxious thoughts.
For others, the last two years working from home may have taken a toll on their mental health. Employees working from home are more likely to feel isolated compared to those in a workplace, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression and a significant lack of motivation. Employers should be reassuring employees that they can ask for help and receive support if they need it.
Disputes linked to safety concerns
Risk managers need to be aware of the potential for unrelated disputes to play out in a workplace safety context. An employee with a grievance about terms of employment, a flexible working request or even a performance-related issue, could latch onto workplace safety as a justification for a certain course of action.
It is more important than ever for risk managers to work in partnership with Human Resources departments as well as individual line managers, ensuring processes are well-documented and paper trail management is scrupulous.
Now is a great time to ensure your insurance policies cover you for all the risks to which you may be exposed. To discuss any aspect of your company’s insurance policy portfolio, get in touch.
Modern eco-homes: How much could it save you in the future?
The tides are changing for UK homes, and rather than relying on fossil fuels, millennials are transitioning to a more renewable way of living. With the cost of energy soaring to new heights in the midst of a climate crisis, homeowners are becoming more switched-on and opting for better insulation, high-emission boilers, and eco-friendly alternatives.
Since 85% of homes are still heated by carbon-heavy natural gas, the switch to renewable energy is heavily awaited by many. According to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC)*, the UK will not meet its climate change targets unless it eliminates most greenhouse gas emissions from homes, which currently account for around 14% of the UK's emissions.
In an effort to resolve this problem, some people are creating their very own eco-homes. This involves fitting low-carbon technology solutions to properties to make them eco-friendlier and more cost-efficient.
How much can you save with an eco-home?
Giving your home a complete green revamp is no cheap task, but when it comes to installing low-carbon energy-saving appliances around the house, you will eventually make your money back in savings on energy bills and the increased value of your home – while also doing your bit to help the planet.
According to data from TheEcoExperts*, by installing energy efficient appliances such as solar panels, roof insulation and double glazing, homeowners could save £1,863 each year – or £37,260 over 20 years.*
What’s more, using these low-carbon appliances could reduce your carbon footprint by 123.2 tonnes of CO2 over the next 20 years.*
How much can low-carbon technology increase your property’s value?
The next wave of first-time buyers will undoubtedly be seeking out greener houses that cost less to run. Eco-friendly features can increase a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and from April 2025, the government will enforce the requirement for all domestic tenancies to reach an energy efficiency rating of ‘C’ as a new minimum.
Alongside this, energy bills are set to continue rising, and the global focus on tackling climate change is likely to strengthen in the upcoming years. These two factors will dictate the impact that high EPC ratings have on house prices in the future.
Which products will save you money in an eco-home?
Solar panels
Solar panels are essential for any eco-home, as not only do they work effectively on their own, but they can also help power other low-carbon appliances such as heat pumps. According to The Energy Saving Trust, the average solar PV system costs around £4,800 and can save on average £530 annually* - that’s roughly £10,600 over 20 years.
Double glazing
Double glazing is becoming a must for most home-hunters, as its money-saving and eco-friendly benefits are ideal for keeping warm over the winter months.
The price will depend on the style and size of the window, as will the material of the frame. According to the Energy Saving Trust, swapping out single-glazed windows for A-rated double-glazed windows could save you £145 per year*.
Roof insulation
It’s widely estimated that a quarter of a home’s heat is lost through its roof; therefore, insulating this part of your property is vital if you want to save on energy bills.
Plus, roof insulation is much cheaper than many other home improvements – it typically costs around £530 for the average three-bedroom house.
Savings will depend on the type of property you live in – whether it’s a detached house, a bungalow, or a flat – but you can expect to save between £150 - £380 a year. This means you could earn your money back in savings within one or two years, and as a bonus, you could cut your carbon footprint by up to 11.6 tonnes of CO2 over 20 years.**
Summary
Eco-homes are still a growing trend, but with today’s fast-changing climate, it’s likely they’ll start to appear more frequently across the UK in the next decade.
If you’re thinking of creating your own eco-home, now is the perfect time to invest. The earlier you can start making lifelong savings and reducing your lifelong carbon footprint, the better. Even just taking green baby steps towards making your home eco-friendlier can make all the difference in the long run – you’ll slash your bills, help the planet, and keep your home cosy and warm over the winter.
To learn more, please contact us.
Energy Saving Trust*
The Eco Experts**
Should you let your car insurance automatically renew?
Letting your car insurance renew automatically may sound like an attractive option as you won’t need to put in any extra work, and you might be happy with the plan you’re on right now. However, this is one of the most expensive mistakes to make, as deciding not to seek out a better deal means your insurer can take advantage of your indifference and subsequently, hike up your premiums.
Without shopping around first, you could be missing out on endlessly cheaper deals on your car insurance, and there are countless other ways to drive that cost down even further. Here are our top tips:
Consider a telematics policy
Telematics car insurance bases your fees on real data about your driving behaviours, which can be recorded either through a black box fitted to the vehicle or a mobile phone app. As long as you’re a safe and careful driver, this is a great option for any age group, as telematics insurance can offer much lower premiums.
Limit your mileage
By limiting the number of miles you drive each year, insurers will see you as a lower risk, which will qualify you for cheaper insurance.
It’s pinnacle that you provide an accurate estimate of your mileage when getting a quote, as your policy becomes invalid if you’re dishonest.
Improve security
Consider installing security devices such as alarms, immobilisers, and locking wheel nuts.
You should always get a quote on how much your insurance would cost after these upgrades first, so you can weigh up whether the cost of these measures is worth the savings.
Increase your voluntary excess
Opt for a higher voluntary excess when you take out your policy, as it will lower the price of your insurance.
However, if you make a claim, you will have to pay the excess towards the cost of repairing or replacing your car, so make sure you are able to afford the excess just in case you do end up having to pay it.
Pay annually
A lump sum may seem daunting but paying monthly is a loan which comes with interest. This is why paying upfront is a substantially cheaper option if you have the funds to do so, and you won’t end up spending anything on borrowing.
Build up your no-claims bonus discount
Insurers reward drivers who are claim-free by discounting their premiums for cheaper insurance. So, keep driving safely and responsibly and you will see the benefits year-on-year.
Park with care
If you have a driveway or a garage, make sure you keep your car parked there overnight.
This will drastically lower your chances of your car being stolen or vandalised, and insurers may lower premiums as you’ll be seen as less of a risk.
Avoid modifications
Modifications of all kinds — whether they’re upgrades to styling, audio, or performance — could result in a large hike in the price of your insurance.
This is because features such as alloy wheels, body kits, and performance upgrades can make your car substantially more attractive to thieves, and your insurer will see your vehicle as a higher risk. Modified cars also tend to be more expensive to repair due to their expensive parts.
To find out more, please contact us.
Over half a million uninsured cars seized since 2018
Around 65,000 cars taken off drivers so far in 2022. More than 129,500 cars seized during 2020 pandemic. “Don’t take the risk” warns AA Insurance MD. More than half a million (542,370) uninsured cars have been seized since 2018 according to information collated by AA Insurance.
A Freedom of Information request to all 46 police forces across the UK discovered that so far this year 64,682 cars have been taken away from drivers for not having insurance. Despite the lockdowns and restricted travel throughout 2020, it saw the most uninsured vehicles seized with more than 129,652 cars taken off the road.
The Metropolitan Police took the most cars off the road with 62,900. West Midlands came second with 44,056 taken away and West Yorkshire completing the top three with 33,829 cars seized. More than 33,000 drivers in Scotland had their cars seized, compared to 22,700 Welsh drivers and 9,360 drivers in Northern Ireland. Kent Police did not respond to the request, while Cheshire Police advised that their systems could not easily determine how many cars had been seized for driving without insurance.
AA Insurance estimates there are approximately one million uninsured drivers on the road each year, however as the cost of living crisis deepens some drivers may be lured into driving without insurance. Gus Park, managing director for AA Insurance Services, said: “Every driver is worried about being involved in a collision, but worse still is the other party being uninsured. “With approximately a million uninsured drivers on the road each year, we believe it is right to protect our members with our Uninsured Driver Promise. This gives peace of mind to our customers should they be involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.
“Sadly, we know that when times are hard some people try to cut their costs, and one area people are tempted to chance it, is cutting out their motor insurance. However, these figures show that forces across the country are on the lookout and will take uninsured car away. “Don’t take the risk. Not only is there the chance of having your car seized, but the criminal and financial hardship is not worth the gamble.”
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