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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.

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! 

Let’s Smash Another Car Insurance Myth!

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car_motor

“Minor Modifications Don’t Need to Be Declared”

Myth: Many drivers believe that small modifications, like custom wheels or minor aesthetic changes, won’t affect their insurance and don’t need to be disclosed. However, even seemingly minor upgrades could impact your policy.

Reality: Any modifications to your vehicle, whether for aesthetics or performance, need to be disclosed to your insurer. Failure to disclose modifications could result in your policy being voided if you make a claim! Modifications can make your vehicle look more appealing, so insurers need to know about any changes to properly assess your cover.

Always speak to your broker about any changes you make to your vehicle to ensure you remain covered under your Car Insurance.

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.

Dedicated Event Insurance Team

people-sat-in-events-space

Did you know that David J Miller Insurance Brokers has a dedicated event insurance team? Our straightforward, no-nonsense staff are here to help you quickly get a quote or answer any event-related questions you might have. We’ll get you covered in no time!

Our team specialises in Event Insurance for event committees, individual organisers and professionals. So, whether you’re planning a village fete, a sports tournament, a conference, an exhibition, a boxing match, or even a festival, our team is here to make sure your event is properly insured. It doesn’t particularly matter what size or scale your event is. If you need insurance for just one day, or for multiple events throughout the year, we’ve got a policy that covers that too!

Our events insurance team focus solely on the Event Insurance industry and understand how confusing it can be. We’re committed to answering all your questions, big or small and we take pride in delivering exceptional service every step of the way.

Beyond great service, our quotes are comprehensive and affordable. We’ll make sure your event has all the essential coverage you require.

Here are ‘some’ of the event insurance options we can offer:

  • Public Liability Insurance – Essential for covering incidents where a member of the public might get injured or 3rd party property is damaged at your event.

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance – If you’ve got anyone helping at your event whether paid or not, this coverage is normally required by law.

  • Equipment Cover – Protects any event equipment owned or hired in case it’s damaged or stolen.

We’re here to make sure you get the cover you need so get in touch.

Don’t Get Caught Out!  What You Need to Know About Gap Insurance

mechanic fixing car in garage.

Gap Insurance can be your safeguard when it comes to treating yourself to a new car. It bridges the gap between what your insurer would pay if your car were stolen or written off, and what you originally paid for it.

Imagine spending £15,000 on a car or financing that amount. Then, a week later, your car is stolen or written off. Your insurer offers you £10,000 based on the car’s current value, but you’re still £5,000 short or potentially even in debt for a car you no longer have.

That’s where Gap Insurance steps in! It covers the shortfall between your insurer’s payout and what you’d need to replace the car or clear your finance. Given how quickly cars depreciate, it can really save the day.

Where Gap Insurance Applies

You’ve Taken Out a Big Loan to Buy Your Car – Gap Insurance can cover any outstanding finance if your car is stolen or written off, so you won’t be stuck paying for a car you can no longer drive.

Worried About Depreciation? – If your car’s value drops quickly, you may not get back what you paid for it after an incident. Gap Insurance will enable you to get back more of what the car has actually cost you.

You’re in a Long-Term Lease – For long-term rentals with mileage limits, a write-off could leave you without a car and facing hefty fees. Gap Insurance helps protect you from this scenario.

Who wouldn’t want peace of mind from this potential scary financial scenario?  Some scary stats here……….did you know that nearly 500,000 vehicles are written off every year and a vehicle is stolen every 8 seconds in the UK?

The David J Miller’s team are here to help so get in touch!

‘The Angry Washing Machine’

We all know insurance isn’t the most exciting industry but some of the claims that are made can make us chuckle!

A homeowner reported that his washing machine had ‘gone mad’ and caused a flood.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the machine had malfunctioned during a particularly wild spin cycle, shaking so violently that it had disconnected its water hose, which then flooded the utility room.

The homeowner described it as being ‘possessed’ and had ‘danced’ its way into causing significant water damage. The insurance company agreed and paid the claim under the property owners insurance policy, labeling the incident ‘mechanical misbehavior.’

Sounds like the washing machine had one too many spins, just like Uncle Keith after a few drinks when he’s at family parties!  

Let’s blast some Motor Insurance Myths! 

motor of a car

Motor insurance can often seem confusing and with so many policies, terms and jargon, it’s no wonder there are some common misconceptions.

As an insurance broker, we hear these frequently, and it’s our job to help clarify what’s true and what’s not.

“Comprehensive Insurance Allows Me to Drive Other Cars”

Myth: Many drivers think having a comprehensive insurance policy automatically means they’re insured to drive other people’s vehicles.

Reality: While some comprehensive policies may offer third-party cover to drive other cars, this isn’t guaranteed and the level of cover is often very basic. In many cases, you won’t be covered unless it’s explicitly stated in your policy. The said ‘other’ vehicle must be insured in its own right too.

Always check the fine print or speak to your broker to confirm if your policy includes driving other vehicles and if so, under what circumstances?

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