Friday, December 02, 2011

Winter Tips & 2011 Xmas Opening Hours

The last 2 winters have been some of the coldest in history causing havoc around the country and large claims for insurance companies. Here we bring you some top tips:

Top tips for homeowners.


  • Check for loose tiles on the roof. This can be done from the ground or in the loft where drips of water or gaps letting in the light are tell-tale signs of missing tiles.

  • Ensure the chimney stack is safe. Again, this can usually be done from the ground.

  • Check that guttering is in order and not blocked with leaves. If it’s blocked water can make its way inside a property causing damage. DIY stores sell leaf guards to prevent blockage. Essential if there are trees nearby.

  • Aerials and satellite dishes need to be securely fixed.

  • Weak fences and posts should be secured to minimise the risk of causing damage to other parts of a property if blown down in the wind.

  • Trees should be checked to ensure that any overhanging branches are cut back and can’t damage a home or neighbouring property should they fall in a storm.

  • Garden furniture should be stored safely away so that it can’t get blown around in a storm.

  • Outside taps should be turned off from inside the house and the pipe drained to avoid a burst if it freezes.

Top tips for motorists.



  • Get the car serviced. Fixing any mechanical problems now will hopefully reduce the risk of a break down at a later date.

  • Pump up the tyres. The current legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but during the winter months it is a sensible idea to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth.

  • Check the lights are working properly so drivers can see and be seen.

  • Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition so that drivers can see out of the windscreen.

  • Prepare a survival kit to include torch, spade, blankets, food and water, ice scraper and de-icer, and first-aid kit in case of emergencies such as breakdown or being trapped in snow.

  • Only essential journeys should be contemplated if severe weather is forecast.

    Top tip: Haynes motoring manuals suggest cleaning the wiping edges of wiper blades with tissue dipped in neat screen wash additive. This will help to stop smearing and prolong their life.

Christmas Opening Hours.


We would like to thank all our customers for your continued support throughout 2011 and hope to bring you great products, services and competitive premiums again in 2011 !!!!!


Dates & Opening Hours.


Thu 22nd Dec. 9-4
Fri 23rd Dec. 9-5
Sat 24th Dec. 9-12
Sun 25th Dec. Xmas Day - We better be closed.
Mon 26th Dec. Boxing Day - Closed, another day to recoup.
Tue 27th Dec. Closed.
Wed 28th Dec. 9-12
Thu 29th Dec. 9-12
Fri 30th Dec. 9-12
Sat 31st Dec. 9-12
Sun 1st Jan 12. New Years Day, Closed, Probably recovering from hangovers.
Mon 2nd Jan. Closed.
Tue 3rd Jan. 9-5 Back to work as normal, fresh from the break !!!!!!!!!!!


Merry Christmas everyone and have a great New Year !!!!!


Gary Hodgson & all at GJT Hodgson Insurance Services


Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Insurance Guidance Following London Riots !!!

The recent rioting and disturbances across the UK are of great concern to us all. If you have suffered damage or losses to property by the rioting then we would advise you to speak to your insurance broker or insurer immediately to ensure any claim is dealt with as soon as possible.

Losses caused by rioting can be recovered from the local Police Authority in whose areas that damage occured under the Riot Damages Act (1886), but claims must be made within 14 days of the incident to the authority. The definition of a riot is that '12 or more persons must be present together and use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety'.

The Act does not cover cars left on the public highway, but damage to vehicles should still be reported to your insurer immediately.

Therefor if you have any losses, please report the incident immediately so your insurers can look to recover the losses from the necessary authorities and avoid your policy suffering future premium increases and avoidable terms.

Gary Hodgson CeRGI
GJT Hodgson Insurance Services.


Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Female Motor Insurance To Increase After EU Ruling

Insurers have been using gender as a 'risk factor' in motor insurance since forever, but an ECJ ruling (European Court of Justice) today has ruled this as 'gender discrimination' and insurers in the UK will no longer be able to charge different premiums if you are male or female.

Up until now females, especially young females have been paying lot lower premiums for their car insurance as it's been statistically proven that females safety records are better than men.

ABI have stated that male drivers under 21 are twice as likely to have an accident than a female driver under 21, the average cost of a claim for a male 18 years old is £4,400 compared to £2,700 for an 18 year old female involved in an accident.

The ruling will not come in to force until 21st December 2012 to give insurers time to fully revamp their pricing structures and the way they offer insurance to customers.

It is predicted the average female motor insurance policy will increase by 25% and in some cases up by 50%. This should in theory reduce the cost of male insurance policys slightly but whether this happens remains to be seen.

Hodgson Insurance Services believes this EU ruling is ridiculous for the UK market. It's in proven stats that females are a better risk so this should definitely be a 'risk factor' in motor insurance. What will be next, discrimation against where somebody lives in the UK. It's another sign that good old common sense has gone out the window !!!!!