Home Security is an increasingly important issue for the householder or tenant.

In the wake ( good choice of word there ) of last year’s flood damage many of the major insurance companies were forced to pay out several hundred million pounds in flood damage insurance claims home insurance premiums have increased markedly. The credit crunch ( that is the euphemism being used by both politicians to describe the RECESSION which is upon us ), has hit all sectors of society in different ways; the big money men, like the banks and insurance companies are having to be a little more careful, increasing premiums and decreasing dividends; banks and lending institutions are acting with reluctance in passing on the cut in interest rates, recently implemented by the Bank of England, to their customers; Mortgage companies have taken the unprecedented step of not accepting mortgage applications and Credit Card companies have withdrawn cards and cut limits.

In this malignant economic climate there is also an increase in crime and personal security has become never more important.

You can avail yourself of many home security measures at Crime Prevention Products, an online retailer of Personal Security Devices and Products. Improved door security and the addition of door alarms, wedge restraints and the like can raise safety levels in the home as can the addition of strategically placed security lights, which offer a high level of dissuasion to would be criminals.

First Direct, a major UK bank and lending institution, has taken the shocking step of withdrawing mortgages for new customers.

This was a direct self presevation move in direct reaction to a huge flood of applications the bank had received as a result of its favourable rates.

I could go on about it for ages. It appears that First Direct will only do this temporarily, but it is like man, this really is a sign, a portent of evil recession round the corner. high level meetings are considering options previously unthinkable - and implementing them,,,,, we are all doomed.

With the recent bad weather bringing water levers higher than usual, places that have never been prone to flooding before have been submerged under water with many business and homes damaged and some completely beyond repair. More people than ever are having to make insurance claims, with last years flooding insurance claims estimated at £1.5 billion, how do you get the best possible settlement to start the unenviable process of rebuilding your home?

Whether you need to make an insurance claim after a flood or a fire you should remember that insurance companies do what they can to make sure that they pay out the least amount possible in a settlement. If you are unlucky enough to have to make a claim following damage to your property, then you can enlist the help of loss assessors who act on your behalf and make sure that they get the best possible pay out from your claim, by dealing directly with your insurance company.

When making a claim, follow these steps:

1) After a flood or fire, burglary or theft, you should dig out your policy details and make sure that you are covered for the said damage.
2) Contact your insurance company and explain the damage and what has caused this.
3) You will then have to either fill out an insurance claims form or they will do this over the phone for you to save time. Bear in mind that you may have to get estimates for the repair of the damage and/ or claim for the emergency repairs that you have had to make in the interim.
4) Your insurance company will then send someone to assess the damage caused to your home or property.
5) You should then receive a settlement amount from your insurance company, which 9 times out of 10 is a lot less than you had expected or hoped it to be. If this is the case, then you can employ a loss assessor to work your claim and get you the best possible settlement.

Loss Assessors tend to work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, only taking a small percentage and take the stress out of making a claim and working completely on your behalf. AKA Assisted Claims do exactly that – assist you with your claims and get you the amount that you deserve. If you have to make a claim, then employing a loss assessor is the best way for you to get the most from your claim and makes the whole process a lot less arduous.