Adventure-lovers should check the small print

Holidaymakers heading off on an adventurous trip abroad this year should make sure their travel insurance policy adequately covers them by checking the small print, esure has advised.

The insurer has revealed that more than a third of Brits do not bother to have a look over their insurance plans before they jet off for an action-packed holiday.

Mike Pickard, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: “With a surge in the popularity of…more adventurous sports…it’s crucial for holidaymakers to take out travel insurance and check they’re covered before they try out the likes of white water rafting in Australia or shark-feeding in the Bahamas.”

Travellers who neglect to take out the proper insurance can quickly see their holiday turn into “a nightmare” if they are injured and end up facing costly medical bills.

In related news, Lonely Planet has advised backpackers not to take expensive technological devices with them if they “can’t bear to lose” them.

Tags: action-packed holiday.mike pickard, white water rafting, Esure, costly medical bills.In, holiday turn, policy, Travellers, travel insurance

Don’t take your gadgets travelling if you ‘can’t bear’ to lose them

Backpackers heading off for their summer holidays have been warned by Lonely Planet that they should not take expensive technological gadgets with them if they “can’t bear to lose [them]“.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, commented that although holidaymakers are increasingly packing their iPods, cameras and mobile phones when going abroad, they should not do so if they are afraid of losing them.

Mr Hall noted that the trend towards taking expensive devices on holiday highlights the importance of having the right travel insurance policy.

“There are very good reasons why people might want to take all of those items with them but I think that it once again underlines the need for people to have travel insurance,” he commented.

In related news, esure has advised travellers to check the small print on their insurance documents if they are planning an adventurous holiday to make sure they provide proper cover in the event of an accident.

Tags: print, MerchantCircle, summer, summer holidays, Planet, editor

‘Homeowners protected from acts of god’

Building and contents insurance can help protect homeowners from the effects of climate exchange, according to the head of risk and underwriting at esure home insurance.

Mike Pickard states that the recent earthquake and increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions can see homeowners “rely” on their home or buildings insurance policy.

The head of risk and underwriting also states that measures can also be taken to help protect homes in the event of severe weather, such as flooding.

“There is no quick fix for flood damaged properties and the destructive power of water can turn lives upside down and damage personal belongings beyond repair”, he explains. Taking precautions and being prepared for the unexpected, whenever it should strike, is crucial.”

Research released by esure also revealed today that nine in every ten adults would not by a property if it had previously been flooded.

Following the earthquake in February, esure said that “a bout of extreme weather can strike at any time and in any street across the UK with devastating effects”.

Tags: Financial economics, United States, god, flood, Esure, insurance policy, water

Subsidence risk for 100,000 Londoners

Around 100,000 homes in London face an increased risk of subsidence due to the growing trend of turning front gardens into driveways.

That is according to esure home insurance, which carried out research including a report from the British Geological Society.

The report details how driveways cause rainfall to run off into drains rather than filtering down to the soil where tree roots lay waiting.

As the roots receive no water they move to seek some out, leading to changes in soil moisture beneath foundations.

“It is very appealing for homeowners in busy streets to create a bespoke parking space for their property,” said Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure.

“Unfortunately, for houses with a street tree or large front garden tree nearby this can significantly increase the risk of subsidence.

“A dedicated space may increase the value of your home but subsidence damage will do quite the reverse,” she added.

Homeowners are being warned to do their research before installing a driveway or patio and are advised to take out adequate insurance if they are concerned about subsidence.

Tags: report, soil moisture, property, business, head