Tenants urged to take out contents insurance

With the bad weather and bitterly cold winters over the last couple of years, we urge our tenants to take preventative measures to look after their homes during winter and to make sure if the worst happens they have adequate insurance.

In recent years, insurers have received up to 50% more claims than expected during the festive season as a result of the freezing weather, More claims are received for damage caused by the escape of water than for fire and theft.

During 2009, claims for burst pipes cost insurers £800 million - worryingly, many tenants still underestimate the risk, with very little worrying about the risk of burst pipes. Research by one insurer shows the average burst pipe claim they paid in the winter of 2009 was about £15,000. Most insurance policies will cover damage caused by freezing water and leaking water from tanks, pipes and heating systems.

A burst pipe is a massive inconvenience for any tenant especially over the festive period and even worse if they have no insurance.

Now DGHP tenants can arrange for insurance cover for the contents of their home at a special affordable rate where premiums can be paid fortnightly or monthly cash, monthly by direct debit or annually.

The cover, specially selected by Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership has been designed to help tenants insure most of their belongings as easily as possible and also covers them against theft, vandalism and fire. The minimum values of possessions that can be insured are £9,000, if aged under 60, or £6,000 if aged over 60. The fortnightly premiums start from £1.53 a fortnight, £1.11 a fortnight respectively, (premiums vary depending upon your sum insured and postcode).

Tenants can also increase cover for an additional premium to include extended accidental damage cover, cover for wheelchairs/scooters and hearing aids as well as personal effects outside their home.

So if you have no insurance cover for this winter call DGHP for more information on 0800 011 3447 or 0845 606 3447. You can also email us at customerservice@dghp.org.uk or if you would prefer, contact This Tenants Contents directly on 0845 601 7007 or email them at tenantscontents@jltgroup.com.