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Insuring Your Carpets Is Not Excess-ive
Many people who have purchased a valuable carpet or handmade rug, look after them as if they were part of the family.
There is nothing wrong with calling in a professional cleaner to make sure your carpet or rug stands the test of time. With
many home insurance policies having an upper limit for individual items, usually around £1,500, if your carpet or rug is
worth more then you may wish to include it as a specialised item on your contents insurance policy.
Unfortunately with many people feeling the pinch in the current economic climate, homeowners are cutting back on their
home insurance polices and in the event of an accident or a disaster, are having to fork out hundreds of pounds to replace
or repair their most valuable possessions.
It is estimated that the average homeowner is under-insured by £4,650, which most will not be able to afford. Many have
chosen to increase the excess payment on a policy to reduce the annual premium but as shown below, this can be a false
economy.
Buildings and Contents insurance
Premium Excess £100 Average £171.56
Premium Excess £200 Average £153.44
Premium Excess £250 Average £157.52
Premium Excess £300 Average £167.52
Premium Excess £400 Average £208.84
Premium Excess £500 Average £152.43
Sourced by www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/ 13.01.2011
As you can see in the table above, the difference in annual premium is not that great when you have an excess of £100
compared to having an excess of over £500. So even though you might save a few quid in the short term, in the event of
making a claim you could lose out in the long term.
“It is crucial to only set your total home insurance excess at a level you feel comfortable paying in the event of making a
claim. Don’t forget that the amount of voluntary excess on a policy is the money you are willing to pay should you need to
make a claim, in addition to any compulsory excesses the insurer will add and require you to pay.” said Julie Owens from
the popular comparison site.
Avoid Damage to your Carpet or Rug
A home and contents insurance policy should only be there as a safety net, and you should only claim on it when you really
need to. Here are some tips to keep your carpet or rug in the best possible condition:
• Expensive carpets or rugs can be made from material which needs specialist treatment. So get a professional in to
maximize its longevity.
• In the event or any spills or stains, treat them immediately. Do not allow the spill to spread and use a clean cloth and cold
water to treat the affected area.
• When decorating your house, keep your carpet covered or move the rug from the immediate area. If the worst is to happen
and paint is spilt, apply paintbrush restorer to a cloth and blot from the outside in. Better still mop up the excess as soon as
possible and call Masterclean ® on free phone 0800 169 6050.
• Don’t smoke. Most insurance companies will ask if any member of your family smokes. Smoking greatly increases the
chance of a fire and also carpet or rug burns if a cigarette is dropped.
Top Tips for a cheaper premium
It is always best to make sure you are fully covered for all your possessions and in all circumstances. Having accidental
damage added to your policy can increase the total amount of your premium, however by following these tips you won’t
have to pay through the nose for that peace of mind.
1. Don’t claim unless you need to. For minor issues, weigh up the cost to repair/replace the item against the excess you will
need to pay. Also the more claims you make, the more expensive your policy will be next year.
2. Install a professional maintained alarm system. Not only will this deter any would-be burglars but it can also knock up to
7.5% off your annual premium.
3. Change your locks. However robust your locks may be, over time they will wear down. If they haven’t been changed for a
while it may be time to get down to your local DIY shop. Five-lever mortise locks are recommended.
4. Illuminate your property. Security lighting will increase you and your visitors safety and unwelcome visitors will be less
likely to hang around. This can also help reduce your annual premium.
5. Join a neighborhood watch campaign. If you inform your insurer of your participation in such a scheme, it could lead to a
further 5% reduction in your annual premium.
6. Fit and maintain a smoke alarm. Regularly test the alarm to make sure it is working and take steps to minimise the risk
of fire.
7. Know what your excess payment will be. Voluntary excess is the amount you are willing to pay in the event of a claim.
Compulsory excess is the minimum amount that the insurer wants you to pay. In the event of a claim these are added
together, so make sure you can afford this payment.
For the very best in Carpet, Upholstery, Rug, Leather & Curtain Cleaning Call Masterclean® Now On......
Free Phone : 0800 169 6050
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