General Tips:

• Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
• Keep us updated of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your insurance cover.

• Keep a list of all your contents. A video can be a useful way to do this. When making the video, remember to open your cupboards and take a shot of what's inside. Store the video tape away from your house. This helps identify what needs to be replaced should an event occur.
• You also need to keep all proof of ownership and a list of serial numbers. Serial numbers, or other identification numbers, assist police in returning recovered property.
• Jewellery should be valued at least every five years so you can be confident that you are insured for the correct amount. To prevent the loss of precious stones or entire pieces of jewellery, claws, catches, hooks and settings should be checked every 2-3 years.
• If you have an open fire, ensure your chimney is cleaned annually. When removing the ash:
  1. ensure the ash has had time to cool,
  2. place the ash into a metal bucket or container and pour over water
  3. store the metal bucket or container away from your house
• To ensure you are able to exit your home quickly in an emergency, leave your keys in the deadlocks of the relevant doors of your home.

• If you make any modifications to your vehicle, please tell us as soon as practicable.
• If you have valuable items in your vehicle and must leave your vehicle unattended, ensure they are stored out of sight e.g. in the boot, glove compartment, under a seat.

• If your boat is not on the water and parked somewhere, make sure it is properly secured.
• If your boat is moored, make sure your mooring is inspected by the appropriate authority at least every three years.

• Arrange your insurance before you let a builder on site. You need to be covered from day one, since problems can occur even at excavation stage – i.e. foundations not being laid properly.

• Make sure your machinery is regularly maintained. You can do this yourself or have a maintenance contract in place. Regular maintenance helps prevent downtime and can also give you reductions on your insurance premiums.

• Notify us or your broker/agent of any significant change to your business e.g. if you start exporting overseas, different occupations, new business ventures are undertaken, the focus of your business significantly changes, change of premises etc.

• We will survey your premises to determine risk improvement areas to help you protect your property from fire, burglary, flood etc.
• Risk management reduces the risk of your business being disrupted, which could lead to interrupted cash flow, lost orders and/or unhappy customers. Also, it often helps lower your premium.
• Make sure your sum insured should reflect the true value of your property. To ensure you do this, you can get a formal valuation (for buildings and plant). Also check your maximum stock value. This is to ensure you, your business and your customers have the correct level of protection should the worst happen.
• The level of insurance cover needs to be regularly reviewed. Maintaining accurate records of your assets will assist you in the event of a claim. We recommend retaining records of major purchases such as computer software licences.

• Make sure that the amount you insure your business for reflects and anticipates growth in your business activities.
• Make sure the indemnity period you choose is long enough to allow you enough time to get up and running at full production.

• Make your claim as soon as practicable after the incident, in many cases we can offer immediate assistance.
• If there has been a crime, notify the police immediately.
• Do everything you can to minimise the damage to your property.
• Do not admit liability or enter into any settlement agreement without prior consent from us.
• Always forward any correspondence you receive that relates to a claim or potential claim to us or your broker/agent immediately.
• If you are aware of an incident which could give rise to a claim, document the facts and if appropriate photograph evidence.

• Plumbing or drainage problems likely to cause flooding
• Damage to your roof where damage to the inside of your home is likely
• Damage to your home, making it insecure or unsafe
• Leaking water from your internal water systems

• If you have received any verbal or written communication which could result in a claim, contact us or your broker/agent immediately.
• If you have a broken or damaged windscreen or window, you should get it repaired immediately, contact our National Autoglass Claims Team on 0800 507 900.
• For all other damage, do not start repairs until our insurance assessor gives you the go-ahead.

• If something is stolen from your boat or if anyone travelling on your craft has an injury, or dies, notify the coastguard or appropriate authorities immediately.