Not surprisingly with last evening’s dramatic developments Insurers have had to readdress their guidelines and further revised details are set out below for your kind attention.
We have today closed our Office. All staff are now working from home and can be contacted in the usual way, preferably by email but also by telephoning 01564 730 900.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries or concerns.
Thank you
David Edwards
Managing Director
Statement from Ansvar
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Cover during difficult times (Updated) In light of the changing situation and the most recent government advice about the outbreak of COVID-19, we have reviewed our position to ensure we can continue to help and support you at this difficult time and to provide you with some additional advice and support. Unoccupied properties As more and more employees are working from home, and no longer at the insured buildings, you may be concerned that the policy will regard your buildings as unoccupied, untenanted, empty or disused and your cover then restricted. For an initial period up to and including the 30th June 2020, we will withhold the:
should your employees be forced to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, if your building is no longer occupied this represents a greater risk of significant damage which could delay your organisation getting back up and running, once the current COVID-19 outbreak has passed. With this in mind we would advise, where you are able to do so safely and within the current government guidelines, you try to ensure that: 1. the buildings are inspected internally and externally by an authorised person once a week to check the security and general condition of the premises; 2. all waste, refuse and other disused combustible materials is cleared from the buildings and any grounds adjacent to it; 3. all external doors are securely locked and all opening windows closed and locked (where fitted with locking devices); 4. all tanks and pipes are drained down where and when you are able to do this, and all taps, stopcocks and mains supply valves turned off. If this is not possible, because you need to maintain a central heating system, a minimum temperature of 7°C should be maintained. 5. a) gas supplies should be switched off unless to maintain a central heating system b) electricity supplies should be switched off unless to maintain a central heating system or existing intruder alarm systems, fire protection systems, CCTV, security lighting or sprinkler systems. 6. all existing physical devices for securing, or preventing access to the buildings must be kept in full and effective operation at all times and to have all keys removed from the locks and kept in a secure place away from the premises; We recognise that you may not be able to complete all of the items listed above, either partially or in their entirety but we would encourage you to consider anything you can do, to reduce the risk of damage or loss, particularly through escaping water from heating systems and security of the premises generally. Your cooperation during this difficult time is very much appreciated. All other policy terms, conditions and exceptions are unchanged. We will review these changes towards the end of June. We hope that this provides the reassurance you need. If this is not enough to meet the current crisis, or if you are unsure in any way, then speak to your Business Development Manager or one of our underwriters to discuss further. Helpful information Arson Prevention Forum – www.stoparsonuk.org Risk advice line (provided by Ecclesiastical professionals or external specialists)
Available Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm (excluding public and bank holidays). For further information speak to your insurance advisor or call us on 0345 60 20 999 Sarah Cox |