Insurance Brokers & Independent Financial Advisers
The High Court has handed down judgment yesterday on the business interruption test case, finding in favour of the FCA and policyholders on the majority of issues. A full copy of the decision can be found on the FCA’s website here:
www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/result-fca-business-interruption-test-case
This will be welcome news for many of your clients. However we must stress that the Court’s findings vary between insurers, policy wordings and will depend on individual circumstances. This means that each claim will need to be considered against the relevant sections of the judgment.
The FCA has asked insurers to contact policyholders with affected claims within the next seven days, to let them know how they will be affected by the judgment. We will be working closely with insurers, to ensure that you are kept up-to-date with news and developments on this as there may be appeals which affect the process.
What does the new decade bring for CRS Consultants Ltd – General Insurance Division?
In 2020 CRS are moving to a new back office support system that will enhance its opportunities to quote on Household, Motor, Motorcycle, Taxi and Van Insurance with effect from 3rd February. The new computer system also has a commercial quote system which will improve their competitiveness on Shops, Offices, Small Fleet, Tradesman’s insurance, property owners, commercial combined and truck insurance.
In addition to this CRS also have new agencies for non standard motor vehicles, Travel Insurance, Hospitality and Catering, young drivers, family fleet, difficult to place liability & commercial risks as well as for ancillary covers such as key care, Excess Protection both commercial and private contracts, Gap Protection, gadget insurance, briefcase & handbag cover, personal accident, car rental excess protection, stand alone tools cover and many more contracts.
Other advances in 2020 include specialist third party claims handlers for all Motor Claims with access to any type of vehicle as a courtesy vehicle be it car, van, Truck or non standard. There is also a specialist third party handler for all Property Household & Commercial Claims with their own in house loss assessors.
Finally and most importantly CRS Consultants are the first Insurance Broker and Customer in Cheshire of the UK’s only parametric stand alone Flood Insurances Cover. This cover is available for all commercial insurance risks whether in a flood area or not. All claims are guaranteed to be paid out without the need for loss adjusters or unnecessary delays and settlement cheques should be received within 7 days.
This ingenious cover involves the insured deciding what level of water damage would cause damage to their building (minimum 20cm’s in some cases maximum 40cm), choosing a sum insured (minimum £10,000), taking the cover out and having a sensor fitted to the outside of their building. The sensor sends readings several times a day to a monitored station 24 hours a day and if the water level reaches the desired trigger level the claim is triggered. The settlement can be used for anything the insured wants i.e. repairs, cleaning costs, to cover the excess on their main cover or a flood exclusion, or to cover growing crops in a field or a sports field etc.
Motor Insurance – Brexit/Green Card
If you are planning to drive in the EU after the 31st January 2020 you may need to be issued with a Green Card and motorists may also be required to purchase an International Driving Permit. Each insurer has a different requirement so the golden rule is to check with your insurance provider, therefore please give us a call if you are planning on driving in Europe.
Why is a Green Card Needed?
A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance which guarantees that the motorist has the necessary third party insurance cover. These certificates prove that customers are suitably insured to drive in these countries. If you arrive at a border without a physical Green Card, you will not be allowed to drive in that country. Please note electronic Green Cards are not accepted so please ensure you apply for one with enough time.
Would a Green Card cover me for all my vehicles?
You’d need a Green Card for each of your vehicles that are travelling. This is the case even if you have more than one car insured on a single car insurance policy.
Does my Green card cover me for towing?
You may require a separate Green Card for every vehicle, caravan or trailer you may be towing.
How long does a Green Card last?
Green Cards are normally valid for 15 days but if you’re going to be abroad for longer, tell your insurance provider and they may be able to extend it.
Will my UK Driving Licence be enough:
No. Some countries may set an expectation that you’ll have an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is available from your local Post Office of which there are 3 different types at a cost of £5.50 each.
Which IDP will I need?
1949 IDP: If you are travelling to Ireland, Malta, Spain or Cyprus, you may require a 1949 IDP. The 1949 convention IDP is valid for 12 months.
1968 IDP: If you are travelling to all other EU states, you may require a 1968 IDP. The 1968 convention IDP is valid for three years, or for however long your driving licence is valid if that date is earlier.
1926 IDP: A 1926 IDP is not required in any EU state. However, it is required if you plan to drive in Mexico or Somalia. You may need a 1926 IDP to drive in Liechtenstein as well.
Will I need to display a GB Sticker?
UK-registered cars will need to display a GB sticker when driving in any of the 27 EU countries – including the Republic of Ireland. Drivers currently only need the sticker if their car does not have blue EU registration plates that display the ‘GB’ initials, but that could soon change.
What other paperwork do I need for driving in Europe?
If you drive safely and sensibly when travelling by road in Europe, you’re unlikely to encounter many problems. However, if accidents happen, or you’re stopped by local police, there are a few documents you’ll need to have at hand:
***Please note that this information was correct on January 20th 2020, but may change as the UK works on a trade deal with the EU throughout the transition period in 2020***
So if you are planning a trip abroad, please contact us so we can help you with your arrangements.
If you have queries, please do not hesitate to contact us
And the adventure is well underway….
https://wonderful.org/fundraiser/bondstobled-9b3c0427
For more information please visit the website www.bondstobled.co.uk
Sixty years ago in 1959 Claude Tipper, a racing car driver, automotive artist and motoring journalist drove a Bond Mini Car registration NCK 373 to Bled in Slovenia. He in fact completed 5,217 miles touring Europe in that year. Nick and Sandra Mander now own this car, and in a light hearted moment thought it would be idea to redo this trip 60 years on. Needless to say others in the Bond Owners Club thought this to be an ideal event to be involved in, so the planning and reality came into place.
Northwich Rotarian Clive and Andrea Steggel will be joining this historic trek in their sister car to the NCK 373 being NRN 897. Originally manufactured in 1958 and also used as a demonstrator completing 135,000 miles before being sold on by the manufacturers in November 1964. In total 5 Bond Mini car three wheelers and a support vehicle will be completing the journey.
Clive and Andrea are using their car to raise funds and awareness for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign as they travel across Europe and back. All donations will be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation two for one, so every £1 they raise will be tripled.
For More information please visit the website www.bondstobled.co.uk
https://wonderful.org/fundraiser/bondstobled-9b3c0427
Both the NRN 897 and the Mercedes support vehicle are both being sponsored by CRS Consultants Ltd.
Clive would like to take the opportunity to thank all the team at CRS Consultants Ltd for all the support in helping to get this project off the ground.
He would also like to thank Peter & Diane and Peter & Jenny for their assistance while they’re away.
For more information about the Bonds to bled trip please go to www.bondstobled.co.uk
Making Northwich Makaton Friendly
Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate and is designed to support spoken language.
Together, the Northwich BID and Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) will help organise and deliver training sessions for businesses in the town who would like to achieve the status and retailers will also be provided with signage to let shoppers know that they are part of the scheme.
For more information, please click on the link below
https://www.makaton.org/blog/out-and-about/MakingNorthwichMakatonFriendly
