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.

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**

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.

Whether you’re driving home for Christmas or trudging through the snow on your way to work – winter can be a challenging time to get from A to B. Breakdowns and accidents are more common over the winter months when road conditions are unfavourable, but preventative actions can keep you and your car safe when coping with the snow and ice.

Here are some top tips for staying safe on the road this winter…

Prepare for your journey

Before you set off, invest some time into preparation:

• Allow extra time for winter journeys
• Choose routes along major roads as they are more likely to be cleared and gritted
• Keep 10 minutes spare to de-ice the car
• Make sure your shoes are comfortable and dry so they won’t slip on the pedals
• Check fuel levels – ensure your tank is at least a quarter full in case of any delays.

Make sure your car has the right coverage

Ensuring your car is equipped with the right insurance is essential for driving in frosty weather. Collision insurance and Comprehensive insurance are your best bet when it comes to covering your car.

Take care of batteries and electrics

Car batteries rarely last longer than five years, and they have to work a lot harder in the winter thanks to lights, heating and wipers. You can prevent a flat battery by:

• Switching off electrical loads like lights, your heated rear window and wipers before starting the engine.
• If the engine is not starting, wait 30 seconds between attempts.
• If you don’t use your car often, consider a quick but regular drive around to keep things up and running.

Keep your antifreeze topped up

Antifreeze only costs a few pounds and could save you hundreds of pounds in costs to repair a frozen and cracked engine. Make sure to mix a 50-50 balance of water and antifreeze for the winter, as this protects your engine down to -34C.

Troubleshooting car problems

If your water pump is frozen, you will hear a continuous squealing noise as soon as your car starts up. Once you hear this noise, you must stop the engine straight away and let it thaw out. Unfortunately, this can take days unless you move your car into a heated garage. If your car overheats when you’re away from home, the radiator may have frozen, and you should pull over immediately to prevent more serious damage.

Carry all the essentials

When winter rolls around, it’s important to make sure your car is prepared for anything, and the must-haves for dealing with ice, snow and dark nights are:

• An ice scraper
• De-icer
• A torch with spare batteries
• A first-aid kit

It’s also important to always have a mobile phone and charger/power bank at hand. This way you can reach friends and family for help if necessary.

Drive with caution

One of the main things to remember when driving in winter is to slow down. Even if you’re in a rush or running late, safety should always come first and driving at a high speed in icy and cold conditions can cause incidents that may have been avoidable.

Have you got the right level of cover for your car this winter? Find out more about what we offer on our website.

A cyber security incident is one of the most detrimental threats a business can face, and as technology evolves, criminals are able to make their tactics all the more refined. The scale and impact of cyber-attacks will only continue to broaden as businesses rely more heavily than ever on technology; as such, risk management should be a top priority for businesses going into 2023.

Potential impacts of a cyber incident

A cyber incident can attack a business from every angle. For example, ransomware could mean your systems or devices are rendered unavailable, or sensitive data may be lost due to a virus or malware. It is important that leaders of organisations develop an awareness of the impact of cyberattacks and that employees have a full understanding of the effects these incidents will have on the business. Unlike common theft, cyber incidents are not restricted to a single location, which is why it's so important to understand how your organisation operates and the interdependencies between different parts. Due to globalisation, cyberattackers have the potential to cause global impact rather than being restricted to the initial business that they were able to infiltrate.

The long-term effects of data breaches

A data breach is like a tornado; the impact is immediate and catastrophic. The recovery process is lengthy and sometimes futile, as a business that has faced data breaches is likely to see a dip in clients as trust is lost in the organisation’s safekeeping of sensitive information.

There is also the potential for the added consequence of fines and enforcement action, which can result in disastrous losses. Even if the regulator doesn’t issue a fine, it might require the organisation to invest in its security defences and enrol staff in awareness training programmes.

These costs can quickly add up, meaning organisations will still be paying the price for a security incident months or even years later.

The importance of cybersecurity

Both inherent and residual risks are increasing, and this is driven by global connectivity, widespread usage of cloud services, and a heavier reliance on technology. Because of this, the importance of cyber security increases each year.

Cyber security plays an integral role in keeping information, data, and devices safe from criminal interference. In today’s world, businesses store vast quantities of data on computers, servers, and other connected devices. Much of this is sensitive, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which includes passwords or financial data. If a cybercriminal obtains access to this data, they can wreak havoc by sharing sensitive information, using passwords to steal funds, or even changing the data to their advantage.

Organisations need to be well-equipped with tight security measures to prevent having to face these repercussions.

Invest in cyber insurance

When it comes to mitigating the risk of a cyber security incident, cyber insurance is critically important.

Before purchasing cover, it is important that you understand how important your organisation's data, systems, and devices are to operations so that an appropriate level of cover can be set.

Cyber insurance protects all categories of data from theft and damage. Without adequate cybersecurity, your business cannot defend itself against cyberattacks, making it an irresistible target for cybercriminals.

It’s no longer sufficient to rely on quick-fix cybersecurity solutions like antivirus software and firewalls, as criminals and their evolving tactics are becoming resilient to conventional cyber defences. Businesses must cover all fields of cybersecurity with insurance to stay protected in 2023.

If you’re thinking about taking out a cyber insurance policy, contact us today to get a quote.

Travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary cost when you’re planning out your holiday, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. With long-range travel comes greater potential for things to go wrong, and travel insurance can protect you against all sorts of unexpected mishaps like cancellations, lost or stolen items, and medical emergencies.

The bottom line is, you can’t enjoy a holiday without peace of mind, so here are some top tips to help you save on your travel insurance without compromising on cover.

Decide on the right cover for your trip

The type of cover you will need depends on how long you’re travelling, where you are going, and who you are travelling with. You should also think about what you’re taking with you, as personal belongings might need covering if there are things in your suitcase that you can’t afford to lose!

Combine cover

You can get policies for an individual, a couple, a family, or a group.

If you are travelling with others, it may be cheaper to purchase coverage under a couple, family, or group policy rather than insuring everyone separately. However, if anyone that you’re travelling with has a pre-existing medical condition, it’s usually more cost-effective to take out separate policies.

Balance payment cost with excess

The insurance excess is the base amount of money you are required to pay before you can make a claim on your insurance. This factor often makes people take a moment to evaluate whether they really do want to make the claim.

Cheaper insurance usually has higher levels of excess, sometimes in the hundreds of pounds, which might be a suitable option for those taking a more laid-back holiday with a shorter journey.

Others may prefer to pay a lower excess, or even none, especially when travelling far and wide to unfamiliar destinations.

Check exemptions on your cover

Some policies may have exemptions, so you should always research before traveling. Some of these may include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Age restrictions
• Driving abroad
• Being reckless
• Travelling against medical or Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCFO) travel advice

Get your GHIC

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free and entitles you to free or reduced cost medical treatment in the European Union (EU) in the event of a medical emergency. It replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit. 

It’s important to note that your GHIC or EHIC card isn’t a replacement for travel insurance, and it doesn’t mean you’ll get free treatment everywhere. This card also won’t cover you for anything more than medical care and cannot pay to get you home in a crisis.

Make sure your holiday activities are covered

Standard travel insurance may not cover holiday activities such as winter and water sports. The riskier the sport, the less likely it is to be included in your policy. If you’re planning on some fun activities while you’re away, check your cover for what’s included and what activities you can add for an extra fee.

For more information about our insurance policies, contact us today.

With many people going away for the holidays and homes across the UK becoming filled with expensive gifts galore – it’s no surprise that the festivities bring along an influx of break-ins each year. Although you shouldn’t have to expect that your home will be stolen from, burglars are relying on your lack of vigilance – which is why preventative measures are so important.

Here are some key tips to help you keep your home secure this season…

Festive lighting

A common mistake when outdoor Christmas decorating is to feed extension cables through partially open windows. This is a vulnerability that criminals are aware of, and they will be quick to take advantage of it. When it comes to outdoor lighting, safer options include solar and battery-operated lights, or installing outdoor electrical outlets.

Don’t display your empty gift boxes

If you’re unable to take gift packaging to a recycling centre, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before collection day and take some time to tear up/fold boxes inside out to ensure that your new valuable items aren’t being advertised to potential thieves.

Plan ahead for a break

If you’re planning on going away over Christmas, make sure to put your newspaper or milk subscriptions on hold as a doorstep full of missed deliveries will signal to thieves that no one is home. You could also ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out for parcels and keep hold of them until you return.

Be wary of social media

There’s nothing wrong with taking some festive snaps while you’re away with friends and family, and you shouldn’t hold back on capturing any memories. However, it’s advisable to wait until you're home to post pictures online, as revealing your current location on social media can flag up to burglars that your home is vacant.

Another mistake to avoid is posting pictures of any flashy gifts online. You may just want to show your appreciation to your loved ones, but it’s better to do so in private so that untrustworthy strangers aren’t being made aware of the contents of your home.

Don’t hide keys

Hiding spare keys outdoors is a bad choice that burglars are waiting for you to make. Although it might seem tactful to hide spare a key under a rock, a plant pot or above a door ledge, doing so is no different to leaving your front door unlocked at all times. Giving your spare key to a trusted neighbour or family member is a much safer option. Additionally, try not to leave keys in locks at night, as they might be reachable through your letterbox.

Home insurance

Thankfully, home insurance does cover losses from theft, including instances that happen whilst you’re away. Buildings and contents insurance will cover your home in the case of a break-in, and above all else will provide you with peace of mind over the season when you’re supposed to be relaxing and enjoying yourself.

For more information, contact our team today.