Article

Fortunately, those who find themselves struggling in the current economic environment are no longer faced with a black and white decision as to whether to continue with their home insurance cover or not. The best insurers now provide policies that are flexible enough to allow you to trim your premiums to suit your budget.

For example, webmoney's homeprotect enables you to save around 10% on premium by combining buildings cover and contents cover on a single policy, and up to a further 25% by building up your no-claims discount. It offers the chance to further reduce premiums by taking a voluntary excess of anything between £50 and £900 and by incorporating a number of security features, such as NACOSS-approved alarms, working smoke detectors and a range of acceptable locks on doors and windows.

On a main entrance, for example, a five lever mortice deadlock conforming to British Standard BS3621 or a key-operated multi-point lock system or rim automatic deadlatch with a key locking handle would qualify for a security discount. Please note though that you’ll need to have key-operated window locks on all ground floor and accessible windows as well.

Cutting back on optional extras such as legal expenses cover, home emergency cover and cover for valuables outside the home can provide another way of keeping costs under control. Due thought must obviously be given to whether you can afford to be without such extensions but some may be duplicating cover you have elsewhere. For example, you may already have separate insurance for your mobile phone or lap-top.