So you think your home is prepared for winter?
2nd November 2006
According to research carried out by over 50s Insurance Specialist Castle Cover, 97% of people believe they are fully prepared for winter.
However, when questioned on specific winter checks, it was found that whilst people had fully checked and maintained their heating systems, overall the majority of people are less prepared than they think. In particular, single people are far less likely to carry out winter checks with 62% not making checks on insulation/lagging or taps and 65% maintaining alarms or outdoor lighting.
Homeowners should not be complacent when it comes to fully preparing for winter. With the first winter frosts now upon us and up to 20% of winter claims received being for burst pipes, the damage is often extensive and run into thousands of pounds.
Up to 12% of claims are for forced entry to properties and with the clocks going back and nights drawing in early, this gives burglars extra protection from being seen.
Commenting on the changing habits of today's over 50s, Andrew Marchington, Managing Director at Castle Cover says: "The current 50+ age group are much more active professionally and socially than their predecessors and are likely to be away from home for longer periods on a daily basis. We also know that an increasing number of over 50s are taking winter breaks making it essential to ensure homes are fully prepared and secure."
"Whilst many homeowners have fitted alarm systems, they have not spent money on maintenance or upkeep of these alarms. Alarms can be fully managed and maintained for as little as 200 per annum, this compared to an average spend by these homeowners of 2,000 per year on holidays, is a very worthwhile investment."
80% of all break-ins are through doors, homeowners should therefore ensure locks are adequate and never leave keys in doors, even whilst at home. Bogus callers also account for an increasing number of thefts and prey on elderly people. Doors should be fitted with peepholes to ensure the identity of visitors can be checked, as security chains can be broken.
Castle Cover advise all home owners to check their insurance policies to ensure they are up to date and fully covered. The Castle Cover website also offers a full winter property maintenance and security check list.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Alison MacKintosh at MW Communications
Tel: 020 7727 76111
Mob: 07710097609
E: Alison@mackintoshwilliams.com
Andy Cole at Castle Cover
Tel: 01202 260800
Notes to Editor
Further information, including graphs, available on Market Research carried out by Castle Cover upon request.
Castle Cover launched on 31st July 2006 as a new entrant in the ever growing over
50's general insurance market.
Castle Cover is led by well-known industry expert, Andrew Marchington and is backed by HSBC Bank and Asset Ventures Ltd., part of the family investment vehicle that controls Primary Group, the Bermuda based insurance distributor.
The launch is supported by a 10m annual marketing budget and Marchington and his team plan to hit Gross Written Premium levels of over 100m and sign up over half a million customers within a five-year period.
Launching with a blue chip panel that includes AXA, RSA and L&G, Castle Cover believe they have a great advantage in neither being tied to one supplier nor owned by an Insurer.
Castle Cover do not believe that the over 50s have historically received a fair deal on price and are delighted that 71% of their customers have joined Castle Cover due to a better value offer with 17% saving up to 100 on policy price. 89% claim they have received excellent service and 98% would recommend Castle Cover to a friend.
Castle Cover is based in Poole, Dorset where over 400 jobs will be created within four years and will offer a UK based customer service.
