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Advice From The Experts

The Importance Of Home Maintenance

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Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it makes sense to take good care of it. While home insurance covers unexpected damage, general wear and tear isn’t included – your HOME INSURER will expect you to maintain and keep your home in good condition. Keeping on top of maintenance and sorting small repairs early can save you money in the long run.

Home Maintenance Tips

Some tasks should be done weekly and monthly, while others are best tackled seasonally as the weather changes.

Spring Jobs To Tick Off

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s a great time to check your home after winter. Here are a few key things to look out for:

  • Check your roof for damage: Cold winter temperatures 
  • Clear gutters and drains – Moss, leaves and debris can block gutters, causing damp problems if rainwater can’t flow away properly.
  • Check your chimney – Birds start nesting in spring, so if you’ve had issues before, now’s the time to get a chimney cowl fitted to prevent them from getting stuck or making a home in there.
  • Inspect brickwork and air bricks – Frost and ice can damage bricks and mortar, letting water in. Also, make sure air bricks are clear to help prevent damp.
  • Check windows and doors – Look for rotting seals, missing mastic or putty which might need attention to prevent ingress of water and any peeling paintwork that might need freshening up.
  • Inspect TV aerials and satellite dishes – Windy weather can loosen fittings, so check everything is secure.

A little home maintenance now can prevent small problems becoming bigger, costlier problems later – your home (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

We are able to provide great rates on your home insurance including both home contents and buildings insurance so why not get in touch with the David J Miller team today and let’s see what we can do!

Unexpected Benefits You May Be Covered For Under Your Car Insurance

motor warning lights

Car insurance can be full of surprises – some policies cover more than you’d expect and for once, it might be a nice surprise!

Fuel – Putting the wrong fuel in to your car

It happens more often than you’d think – a quick lapse in concentration and suddenly your diesel car is sipping petrol. A costly mistake!

Many motor insurers won’t cover this kind of distraction but some will, potentially saving you a hefty bill.

Top tip – If it happens – don’t start the engine! Your best bet might be using your breakdown cover or calling a specialist to drain the tank. It could cost less than your insurance excess, so it’s worth checking to see if cover is available under your policy and then look at the options.

Child Car Seats – are they covered?

Parents know all too well that child car seats don’t come cheap. But did you know that after an accident (even if there’s no visible damage) they should be replaced?

Some car insurance companies will cover the cost of a new one if it’s part of a claim for damage or loss to your car. If yours was particularly pricey, it’s worth keeping hold of the receipt, just in case you need to prove its value.

Scams – Would you be covered?

Scammers are getting sneakier and car sellers are a prime target. Whether it’s someone driving off with your car on a test drive or paying with fake cash, fraudsters have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

While some car insurance policies will cover ‘theft by deception‘, others won’t, so it’s crucial to check your policy details. If you’re selling your car privately, be extra cautious. Using a trusted dealer or requesting payment via direct bank transfer can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Gadgets – What is actually covered?

Your car’s factory fitted tech, like touchscreens and parking cameras, is usually covered under your insurance. But what about removable gadgets like sat navs, dash cams etc.?

Most car insurance companies offer cover under personal possessions and fitted accessories but only up to a certain value, so double-check your policy.

If you regularly carry expensive items in your car, we recommend adding them to your home insurance. However, you should also check your home insurance includes cover for your property away from your home address and includes cover in your personal vehicles. Of course, no matter how well insured you are, don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Take them with you or keep them hidden to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Thieves are always on the lookout!

Policy Wording – We recommend to ALWAYS check this

No two insurers are the same so what’s covered by one might not be covered by another. That’s why it’s always important to check your policy wording – this will outline exactly what’s included in your cover. 

If you’re not sure, the team at David J Millers are always on hand to help so get in touch!

Making Sure You’re Fully Covered: The Costa Concordia disaster

Ship sailing in sunset.

The Costa Concordia disaster is one of the most infamous maritime accidents in recent times.

On January 13, 2012, the luxury cruise liner Costa Concordia, operated by Costa Cruises, ran aground near Giglio Island, Italy. The ship struck a submerged rock while performing a “salute” manoeuvre – a close pass to the island – tearing a 53-meter (174-foot) hole in its hull. Water flooded the engine rooms, causing a catastrophic loss of power and stability.

Within hours, the ship capsized and partially sank, coming to rest on its side in shallow waters. Of the 4,229 people on board, 32 tragically lost their lives and dozens were injured.

The Costa Concordia disaster was largely attributed to human error. Captain Francesco Schettino deviated from the planned course to perform a close pass to Giglio Island, reportedly as a favour to someone onshore. This reckless manoeuvre brought the ship dangerously close to submerged rocks. During the emergency, poor communication and flawed decision-making further escalated the situation, leaving passengers and crew ill-prepared to handle the unfolding crisis.

The lack of protocol adherence became evident during the chaotic evacuation. Many passengers were unaware of assembly points or proper procedures, leading to confusion and delays. Additionally, the crew faced criticism for their insufficient training in handling such emergencies, which further hindered efforts to manage the disaster effectively.

The Costa Concordia was heavily insured under multiple policies, with total losses estimated at over $2 billion, making it one of the costliest maritime insurance claims in history.

Hull and Machinery Insurance: Covered the ship’s total loss. The Costa Concordia was valued at approximately $570 million.

Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance: Covered the compensation claims which included – Payments to victims’ families

Compensation for passengers’ injuries and trauma

Reimbursement for lost personal belongings.

Environmental Liability Coverage: Addressed the massive cost of removing the shipwreck and mitigating pollution risks. Salvage operations alone cost over $1.2 billion!  It was the most expensive and complex in history using an intricate method called “parbuckling” to rotate the ship upright which took a year of preparation. She was then refloated and towed to a scrapyard in Genoa for dismantling.

Business Interruption Insurance: Covered the revenue losses due to the ship’s destruction and reputational damage.

Captain Francesco Schettino was convicted of multiple charges, including manslaughter, causing a maritime disaster and abandoning ship. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

His actions became the focal point of blame, though systemic issues within Costa Cruises were also highlighted.  It remains a stark reminder of the consequences of poor decision-making, inadequate training and safety oversights. It also highlighted the vital role of comprehensive insurance in addressing financial and environmental damages after such a catastrophic event.

Whilst we appreciate it’s unlikely you will be responsible for steering a cruise ship, it is essential you have adequate cover in place to protect your business (regardless of its size), home, event etc. should you suffer a catastrophic incident.  The David J Miller team would welcome the opportunity to carry out an appraisal of your insurance arrangements and requirements so please get in touch and we would be happy to assist.

What Insurance Do Tradespeople Need?

When you’re a tradesperson, it’s essential to know what insurance you need to protect yourself, your team and your business. Some types of insurance are legal requirements, while others are optional but can provide peace of mind. Let’s break it down:

Motor Insurance – If you use vehicles for your work, having the right motor insurance is a legal must. Your cover needs to reflect the jobs you do and what you transport in your vehicle.  You can go to our dedicated car insurance page to learn more. 

The Motor Insurance Bureau works with the police to inspect commercial vehicles. If you’re found transporting anything not declared to your insurer your cover could be voided. This could lead to a hefty fine, points on your licence and your vehicle will be impounded until you produce correct insurance documents.

Be upfront with your insurer about the type of goods you carry for the types of jobs you do, especially if your work has diversified in recent years.

Goods in Transit Insurance – Offers protection for the goods you are carrying with the main risks being fire, theft and damage caused by impact.

Liability Insurance

Employers’ Liability – If you employ anyone, this is a legal requirement. You can be fined everyday if you are not properly insured.

Public Liability – Essential for most trades, it covers businesses and individuals in the event of claims that may arise from injury, death or property damage to a third party.

Product Liability – If you manufacture or sell products, this covers claims related to those goods.

Professional Indemnity (PI) – If you provide advice or services that clients rely on, PI insurance is highly recommended. For some trades and professions, it’s a regulatory requirement. This cover protects you against claims for financial loss caused by advice or services you provide.

Tools and Equipment Insurance – Your tools are essential to your work and replacing them all at once can be costly if they’re stolen or damaged. Make sure your policy covers:

  • The full value of all your tools.
  • Specialist tools you hire for specific jobs.

Specialist Insurance

Depending on your trade, there are other specialist insurance options you may consider?  Cover options for example: –

  • Cyber Insurance                      
  • Directors & Officers Insurance                        
  • Business Interruption

Why Choose Us?

Navigating the world of insurance can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. As experienced brokers, we’re here to guide you through your options, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price.

Insurance policies can often include terms and apply conditions that you need to comply with.  We will bring these to your attention so that you are fully aware of any additional policy requirements.

Let us take the stress out of insurance, so you can focus on what you do best.

Get in touch with the David J Miller team today for expert advice tailored to your business needs!

Get Your Home Ready for Winter!

It’s worth spending a little time to winter-proof your home before the real chill sets in. Being prepared not only keeps you cosy but can save you money too!

Clear Out Those Gutters: Clearing your gutters might not sound like weekend fun, but it’s a must before winter arrives. Debris from windy, rainy days can cause blockages, leading to damp or even major leaks. Good drainage now means fewer water-related problems later!

Boost Your Insulation: Did you know up to 25% of your home’s heat escapes through the roof? Even if your loft is insulated, check it meets the recommended depth (250–270mm). Proper loft insulation lasts up to 40 years and is a brilliant long-term investment for cutting down energy bills.

Book a Boiler Service: An annual boiler service is a game-changer. It stops minor issues turning into costly breakdowns, keeping your heating reliable when the temperatures drop. Get it sorted now and avoid a hot water crisis mid-winter!

Check Your Roof: Cracked or missing tiles can lead to leaks—and might even affect your insurance if wear and tear worsens damage. Have a look from the street or a neighbour’s property and tackle repairs early if you can’t get up a ladder.

Lag Those Pipes: Pipe insulation (or “lagging”) is affordable and easy to fit yourself. Wrap your pipes to keep the heat in and prevent freezing. Start with the pipes near your boiler or hot water tank, or under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Stop Draughts in Their Tracks: Even the best-insulated homes can lose heat through doors and windows. Draught excluders and window seal kits are inexpensive, effective solutions to keep that warmth inside where it belongs!

Give Your Radiators Some TLC: Bleeding your radiators is quick and simple to do. It improves their efficiency and saves you money on heating bills. You’ll be snug as a bug with less energy wasted!

Know Your Stopcock: If your pipes freeze, you’ll need to shut off your water quickly to avoid burst pipes. Find your stopcock now so you’re prepared for anything. (it’s usually under the kitchen sink)

A little prep now will make all the difference when winter bites! Take a look at our home insurance page for more information. Stay warm, stay safe and enjoy the winter season.

Need To De-Ice Your Windscreen?

Most of us grab an ice scraper and some de-icer to sort out our frosty windscreens, but let’s be honest—where’s the fun in that?  What if you run out and need a quick fix to get your icy car sorted?  Luckily, I’ve come across some quirky (and pretty creative) tricks to help clear those icy windows. I’m not saying they’re better than your trusty de-icer but if you’re stuck… needs must!

Use Warm Water In A Bag: This one’s simple but it works. Fill a zip lock bag with warm water (not too hot and certainly not boiling though, we don’t want any cracked glass) Rub it over your windscreen, check out the clear view and enjoy your toasty fingers.

Rub An Onion On Your Windscreen: Yes, really! Turns out onions aren’t just for soup—they might save you from a frosty start. The idea is to rub half an onion on your windscreen the night before a freeze, creating a barrier that stops frost from forming. We’re not sure about this one but if you don’t mind onion-scented hands all winter, it’s worth a go!

Try Toothpaste As a Frost Fighter: This one’s minty fresh! Diluted toothpaste is said to help prevent frost from settling on your windows overnight. Just don’t go overboard with the paste—nobody wants streaky glass in the morning.

Use Potato Juice: Sounds strange, but spuds might be your new winter best friend. Slice a potato in half and rub the cut side directly onto your windscreen the night before. If it starts to dry out, slice off a bit more to reveal some fresh potato juice. It’s weird, but it might just work!

Make Your Own DIY De-icer: If you’re out of de-icer, you can whip up a quick alternative at home. Meteorologist Ken Weathers suggests mixing 1/3 cup of water with 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol. It’s simple and effective. (I’m not sure how many of us will have rubbing alcohol in a cupboard though!  Ken’s video online has all the details if you want to give this a go). Alternatively, an easier option is a vinegar solution, mix 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part water and spray it on the windscreen the night before. It can help prevent ice from forming in the first place.

Hand Sanitiser On Locks: If your car locks are frozen, put a bit of hand sanitiser on your key or directly into the lock. The alcohol helps to melt the ice quickly. While these ideas are fun and practical in a pinch, the easiest and safest solution is still to stock up on de-icer.  Don’t forget to clear all the snow and ice from your car, not just enough to peek through your windscreen – it’s crucial to see pedestrians, other vehicles and everything else on the road. Driving without a clear windscreen is an offence and can result in a fine with points on your licence.

From icy windows to icy roads, contact David J Millers this winter to make sure you’re getting a comprehensive car insurance quote today.

What a brilliant and funny mix of tips – Credit to Marmalade Insurance for their inspiration.

Stay Safe on the Roads!

Staying safe on the road is important especially around this time of the year. From driving in darkness to black ice and storms, make sure you have car insurance in place to cover you over this winter period.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians can be unpredictable, (especially children) but they ALWAYS have priority. Slow down in busy areas and be ready for sudden surprises. Keep your brakes and tyres in top condition to stop safely when needed.

Speeding

It’s not just about sticking to the limit—adjust your speed to suit weather, traffic and road conditions. If you spot a speeding or aggressive driver, stay calm, slow down and give them space. Let them be someone else’s problem!

Phones

Your phone can wait. Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road—distractions lead to accidents. Using your phone while driving is illegal and you risk fines, points on your licence or even worse. Put it away out of sight or connect it hands-free if absolutely necessary.

Alcohol & Drugs

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, stay well clear. Give them space, stay alert and report dangerous driving if safe to do so. Remember, erratic driving could also be due to vehicle/medical issues, so don’t jump to conclusions.

Weather

Rain, snow, or fog? Reduce your speed and ensure your tyres, wipers, and lights are in full working order and legal. Avoid large puddles, keep visibility clear and always adapt your driving to the conditions.

Parked Cars

Parking safely is just as important as driving carefully. Don’t block junctions, corners, or pavements and always check your surroundings before opening doors or moving out of spaces.

Rear-End Accidents

Generally if you go into the back of someone, insurers take the view you were driving too close and too fast and you will be held at fault.

To avoid tail-gate crashes:

  • Don’t tailgate—keep a safe distance.
  • Check blind spots before lane changes.
  • Use a dashcam for extra protection against scams.

Windscreen Damage

A cracked windscreen is dangerous and can impair visibility. Fix chips immediately and avoid driving with significant damage—you are usually covered for glass damage and it doesn’t effect your no claims bonus so it’s always worth checking your policy.

Junctions & Roundabouts

Be vigilant at junctions! Even with the right of way watch out for cyclists, motorbikes,  pedestrians or reckless drivers. Signal clearly and match your speed to the flow of traffic when merging or exiting. TAKE EXTRA CARE AT MINI ROUNDABOUTS, always give way to traffic coming from your right.

Reversing Accidents

Before reversing, check all mirrors, cameras and blind spots—and don’t rely solely on sensors! Always look and listen for movement, especially in busy areas. Never reverse from a side road into a main road—it’s not worth the risk.

Stay safe, stay alert and remember: careful driving protects you and everyone else on the road! 

Money Saving Tips For Insurance!

money-saving-tips

Reducing your business insurance premiums without compromising coverage is possible with a strategic approach.

Here are some examples of how this can be done:

  1. Increase Deductibles: Opting for a higher excess can lower your premiums. Just ensure that you can comfortably afford it in the event of a claim.
  2. Bundle Policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple types of insurance (eg. property, liability, and business interruption) with the same provider. This can simplify management and reduce overall costs. 
  3. Implement Additional Risk Management Measures: Enhance safety and security at your business to lower the risk of claims. This could include installing fire alarms, security systems, and surveillance cameras, as well as regular maintenance and staff training on safety protocols. You may qualify for a discount when extra safety/security measures are implemented.
  4. Regularly Review and Update Coverage: Periodically review your policies to ensure you’re not over-insured or paying for unnecessary coverage. Adjust coverage to reflect any changes in your business, such as downsizing or removing obsolete equipment.
  5. Maintain a Good Claims History: Insurers may offer lower premiums to businesses with a good claims’ history. Implementing risk management practices that reduce the likelihood of claims can help maintain a clean record.

If you’re not sure whether you are properly covered, please don’t leave it to chance. Get expert advice before it’s too late and speak to the team at David J Miller Insurance Brokers. We can arrange a review of your details when it’s due for renewal so get in touch!

Have You Got A Future Holiday Booked?

tourist taking a picture

David J Miller Insurance can get you covered with comprehensive and competitive travel insurance, whether you’re jetting off solo or taking the whole family along. From single trips to annual policies, we’ll find the right policy for your adventures!

Wherever you’re headed — whether it’s backpacking, skiing, or relaxing under the sun, our policies can ensure you’re protected every step of the way.

Get in touch to learn more about:

  • Annual policies
  • Single trip options
  • Cruises
  • Dangerous sports
  • Water sports
  • Winter sports
  • Cover for pre-existing medical conditions **
  • Specialist cover
  • Round-the-world trips
  • Special restrictions

**A pre-existing condition is any health or medical issue you’ve been diagnosed with or received treatment for, including symptoms you’re waiting on a diagnosis for. If you’re unsure whether a condition is relevant, you do need to share it with us — this includes conditions managed with medication or those that only flare up now and then. Remember, honesty is the best policy!

Using the David J Miller team will help you save time and money! Let us help you find the best policy tailored to your needs, so you can travel with peace of mind knowing you and your loved ones are well-protected.

If you’re off on your travels, get in touch as soon as you book to ensure your trip is covered, especially for cancellation, as anything can happen in the time between booking and travelling.

Here’s Another Myth For You About Motor Insurance

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“Protected No Claims Bonus means my premium won’t increase after a claim”

Myth: Some drivers believe that if they have no-claims bonus (NCB) protection, they won’t lose their discount, even after an accident.

Reality: No-claims bonus protection only allows you to make a certain number of claims before it starts affecting your discount.

Additionally, this protection doesn’t prevent your premium from rising after a claim, as insurers may still increase the base cost of your policy. You’ve only paid for the benefit with the one insurer, so other companies may not accept it.

Talk to us about whether no-claims protection is worth it for you. We can explain what it covers and how it works in practice.

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