Winter Floods & Storms Cost Insurers £1.1 Billion

It's estimated by the ABI that the damage caused by flooding & storms for just 2 months from 23rd Dec 2013 to 23rd Feb 2013 will cost insurers £1.1 billion, with just under half of this amount coming just from the major floods we had. The Somerset flooding is only now just residing!

Beware Of Scam Insurance Broker Website!!

The FCA have warned about a scam insurance broker website which has popped up online called 'Zelomit Insurance'. It looks convincing, the site has been cloned from a legitimate company and they look to trick consumers in to using them and believing they are a FCA registered broker - they aren't a real company!! If you use an online company, be sure they are who they say they are, for more information about the cloned site and cloning go to the FCA site here: http://www.fca.org.uk/news/warnings/zelomit-insurance-clone

No Presents For This Weather At Christmas!!!

Although Santa will have no problem with this weather, you may still be affected. If you need to make a claim over the next week and you cant get hold of us, please just look in your policy booklet or visit our website for claim numbers and info!! http://www.hodgsoninsurance.co.uk/claim-information.htm

Christmas Opening Hours 2013

Our opening hours over Christmas are: Tue 24th - 9-12. Wed 25th - Xmas Day (Lots of presents please) - Closed. Thu 26th - Boxing Day - Closed. Fri 27th - 9-12. Sat 28th - 9-12. Sun 29th - Closed. Mon 30th - 9-12. Tue 31st - 9-12. Wed 1st Jan - New Years Day - Closed. Thu 2nd Jan - 9-5. Back open as normal Merry Christmas everyone!!

DVLA Link Up To Help Save Customers £15 A Year!!

From Summer 2014 motor insurers will be able to verify information directly from the DVLA using your driving licence number. We can collect your DLN now in readiness for next year, when we will be able to automatically check the type of licence, how long it's been held and whether they have any motoring convictions. This should remove the opportunity for customers to make mistakes or conviently omit important information. Currently nearly 1 in 5 policyholders under-declare the convictions they have received. This new initiative should help the honest customer save an average £15 from the cost of their motor insurance!!!!

New Shop Signage All Done!!

Our shop signage has all been updated with our new branding, 

great job from Jag Signs!!

New Motorway Laws For Drivers!!

New laws now brought in mean that police can issue on-the-spot penalties for tailgating and lane-hogging.

Tailgating is when someone drives too close to the car in front usually trying to force the driver in front to speed up or move lanes.
Lane hogging is when drivers use the middle lane as a 'cruising lane' and drive too slowly. This is dangerous as it can force vehicles behind to slow down too quickly.

These two driver pet hates inconvenience and frustrate motorists, but police will now be able to instantly issue a reckless driver with 3 penalty points and up to £100 fine. It's also notifiable to your insurance company and will almost certainly increase your insurance premium.

According to AA surveys 29% of people admit to hogging the middle lane.

To avoid these fines.
Keep a safe distance from the car in front. (We recommend the '2 second rule' where you stay at least 2 seconds behind the car in front.
Don't cruise in the middle lane, move to the inside lane, only use the middle and outside lanes for overtaking.

It should be all good news for driver's but how it's going to be policed is still to be seen??

Insurance For Student Contents At University!!

With kids going back or starting Uni, we get many enquiries about covering students possessions whilst away. The best and cheapest way to insure them as parents is to add them on to your own home contents insurance policy's. Most insurers will now add their children's stuff whilst temporarily taken away, either automatically for FREE or for a small fee. Other options include using the Uni's own specialist insurance schemes, covering just a couple of electrical items they may opt for a Gadget Insurance policy, or a completely separate policy, although they vary depending on where and how they stay at Uni, whether sharing digs or living on their own. For the best advice please speak to your insurance broker who will advise you on the best options!!

Never Better Time To Check Your Car Insurance

With reports suggesting car insurance premiums have gone down by 9.8% over the last 12 months it's never been a better time to check your insurance renewal with your local broker. We have a panel of over 100 schemes we can instantly check to make sure you're getting a great deal and you have the right deal, with many schemes you won't find through any of those comparison sites!

25 Years Of Service For Business Employee !!

Congratulations to Robin Worden who celebrated 25 years of service with the insurance brokerage from Bude this week. Rob first worked for us whilst he was still at school, initially working Saturday mornings, slowing learning the basics of the insurance trade. After finishing school Rob was brought in to the business on a full time basis and hasn’t looked back since!

Partner Graham Hodgson said “Rob has been an extremely valuable and reliable employee and member of our team and his dedication has been one of the reasons our business has continued to flourish over the years, I would say that in the 25 years I doubt he has had more than 3 weeks off sick and not many employers can say that nowadays!”

We rewarded Rob’s long service with some Center Parcs vouchers, extra time off work, and obviously cakes!!!

New Restaurant Insurance Schemes

Restaurant Insurance Cover

We have updated our panel of insurers who cater for restaurant insurance. We now have a large panel who specialise in the catering trade and cater for all types of restaurants and different cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Thai, Fish & Chip restaurant, American, Turkish, Spanish, cafes, coffee shops, bistros and more.

The policy's are extremely competitive and have been geared up especially for the catering trade and will cover trade contents incl fixed frying ranges, stock, refrigerated stock, business money, buildings or tenants improvements, public and employers liability incl food poisoning and more.

For more information on restaurant insurance to to arrange a quote please go to our Restaurant Insurance page on our website or call our office on 01288 353999.

Female Car Insurance Could Rise By 25% From December

Female Car Insurance To Rise!

The new EU ruling which bans insurers from rating car insurance on gender comes in to effect as from 21st December. Currently female drivers get a much cheaper rate than male drivers due to the cost of their claims being much lower, but the ruling will now stop insurance company's from 'descriminating' drivers and could potentially increase female car insurance policy's by 25%. We should also see male car insurance policy's reduce but whether we will or not, we will have to wait and see!!

A Uswitch.com survey also revealed that between 15-25% of female drivers will be forced to sell or take their cars off the road due to the increased running costs.

Insurance company's have fought to stop this ruling from happening and stats showed that females claim costs were much less than their male counterparts, but eventually failed to overrule the courts decision.

Can Women Do Anything To Save Money?
The only real thing women can do is if their car insurance comes due for renewal just after 21st December is to see if it would be cheaper to cancel their policy and restart a brand new policy before the ruling comes in to force therefor potentially benefiting for 1 more year. Only thing with this is you could be charged more than the savings to cancel the policy 'mid-term', you could also lose out on built up No Claims Bonus unless you already have 9+ years built up.

There are other things you can generally review at renewal time which may help keep the premiums as low as possible including a lower mileage limit (check your last MOT's and see what mileage you have done), if you are married, but your spouse isn't on your policy, add them for a discount. On your own home? you can get a discount for this. No longer use the car to commute to work? many company's allow a discount to exclude commuting cover. If you always garage the car make sure the insurers are aware of this for more discounts!
You can reduce the premium by requesting a larger excess (what you pay towards any vehicle damage), but check the savings, we usually recommend keeping the excess as low as possible as the savings you make will be very little compare to what you will have to pay out in event of an accident.

Please speak to your insurance broker and get advice if you feel you are going to suffer and they should be able to give you the best advice on keeping your car insurance premiums low!!!!!

Gary Hodgson CeRGI
GJT Hodgson Insurance Services

Ageas Complete Groupama Purchase

One of our favourite insurance company's Ageas have just completed the purchase of another broker favourite Groupama making Ageas the 5th largest insurance company in the UK. This will continue to give our customers more choice and more competitive premiums. A good deal all round!!!!

Launderette & Dry Cleaners Insurance Cover

If you own or run a commercial manned launderette or dry cleaners then we now have the insurance solutions for you. Standard shop insurance policy's don't provide the extra covers required for owners including cover for customers goods held in trust, damage to customers goods and loss of customer goods which only specialist policy's offer. As brokers we check the insurance market so you don't have to.

To arrange a quote visit our our new quote page set up for this at Launderette Insurance or give our office a call on 01288 353999.

Fish and Chip Shop Insurance

Our new fish and chip shop insurance quote page is up and running now on our website. We have a specially selected number of insurers on board who specialise in insurance for fish and chip shops, takeaways and restaurants. Our policy's include all the main covers your takeaway needs including cover for your stock, business contents incl fixed frying ranges, business interruption cover, public and employers liability and buildings cover plus a lot more extras. Discounts are also available if your firm is a member of National Federation Of Fish Friers.

If you would like a quotation or for more information please go to our specialist fish and chip shop page here Fish and Chip Shop Insurance or even give our office a call on 01288 353999 to discuss your exact needs.

Follow Hodgson Insurance On Facebook & Twitter

We have finally got around to setting ourselves up on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow our company now and get all the latest insurance news, tips, insurance deals and local Southwest information and general chat.


To follow us on Facebook just click here.
To follow our Tweets on Twitter just click here.

Hodgson Insurance Win Top Prize In National Hospitality Competition

We have just won 1^st prize in a national competition. The competition run and judged by Hospitality Insurance Underwriting Agencies (HIUA) was to find the best supporting broker over a 4 month period. In business for over 35 years we specialise is guest house, B&B and holiday home insurance cover. We competed against and beat a high number of brokers nationally and were rewarded with a fantastic 5 night trip to Las Vegas staying at the world famous Bellagio Hotel.
Partner Graham Hodgson commented: ‘We only have a small team here but they have performed fantastically well to sell our comprehensive Hospitality products and achieve a Number 1 status in this tough market’.

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

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.

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 !!!!!