• Storm-proofing your Home for Summer Weather Surprises

    Storm-proofing your Home for Summer Weather Surprises

    Summer in the UK isn’t all sunshine and barbecues. Unexpected storms, heavy rain, and high winds can strike with little warning.

    Preparing your home for these seasonal surprises could be essential to:

    • protecting your property;
    • reducing damage; and
    • ensuring peace of mind.

    At Police Mutual, we’ve pulled a guide together on how to storm-proof your home this summer, with practical tips and smart upgrades that can make all the difference.

    Inspect and maintain your roof

    Your roof is your first line of defence against the elements. Check for loose or missing tiles, signs of wear, and blocked gutters. Regular maintenance can prevent leaks and water damage during sudden downpours.

    Secure windows and doors

    High winds can turn unsecured windows and doors into weak points. Install storm shutters or use impact-resistant glass where possible. Reinforce door frames and check seals to prevent water ingress.

    Clear gutters and drains

    Blocked gutters and drains can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of flooding. Clean them regularly and consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out.

    Trim trees and secure outdoor items

    Overhanging branches and unsecured garden furniture can become dangerous projectiles in bad weather. Trim trees back from your home and store or anchor outdoor items when bad weather is forecast.

    Install a backup power supply

    Power outages are possible during summer storms. A backup generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can keep essential appliances running and your home safe.

    Review your home insurance

    Even with the best preparation, storms can cause unexpected damage. That’s why it’s important to have comprehensive home insurance. It’s worth checking your policy to ensure it reflects your current needs and any recent home improvements.

    Reach out to Police Mutual for your Home Insurance needs

    Protecting your home from severe weather doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few proactive steps, you can help protect your property, reduce repair costs, and enjoy a safer, more secure summer, no matter what the weather brings.

    Need extra peace of mind? Make sure your home insurance is up to date and tailored to your lifestyle. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress later.

    If you’re looking to switch Home Insurance providers or needing to take out a policy for the first time, give us a call or apply online to get a quote in minutes.

    Sarah Blair

  • Getting Your Home Summer Ready: A Fresh Start for the Sunny Season

    Getting Your Home Summer Ready: A Fresh Start for the Sunny Season

    As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to give your home a seasonal refresh. From brightening up interiors to preparing your garden for long evenings outdoors, a few simple steps can help you make the most of the warmer months. And while you’re sprucing things up, it’s also a smart moment to ensure your home is protected with the right insurance, like Police Mutual Home Insurance, designed with the needs of the police family in mind.

    1. Let the sunshine in

    Swap out heavy curtains for lighter fabrics and give your windows a thorough clean. Natural light not only lifts your mood but also makes your home feel more spacious and welcoming. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

    2. Declutter and deep clean

    A clutter-free home feels cooler and more relaxing. Take time to store away winter items, donate what you no longer need, and give your home a deep clean. It’s also a good opportunity to check that your valuables are safely stored and properly covered, something Police Mutual Home Insurance can help with, offering protection tailored to your lifestyle.

    3. Refresh with summer colours

    Introduce light, airy tones like soft blues, whites, and pastels into your décor. Swapping out cushions, throws, and rugs can instantly give your home a fresh, summery feel without a full makeover.

    4. Get your garden summer-ready

    Tidy up your outdoor space by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and planting colourful flowers. Add some outdoor lighting or a seating area to create a relaxing retreat. If you’ve invested in new garden furniture or equipment, make sure it’s included in your home insurance policy. Police Mutual offers cover that includes outdoor items, giving you peace of mind.

    5. Check cooling systems

    Before the heat hits, test your fans and if you have one, air conditioning units. Clean filters and ensure everything is working efficiently. It’s also a good time to check your smoke alarms and security systems, keeping your home safe and cool all summer long.

    6. Review your home insurance

    Summer often means more activity at home, barbecues, guests, and time spent outdoors. It’s wise to review your home insurance to ensure you’re fully covered. Police Mutual Home Insurance offers comprehensive protection, including accidental damage, helping you enjoy the season without worry.

    7. Create a summer sanctuary

    Designate a space to unwind—whether it’s a shaded garden nook, a sunny reading corner, or a breezy balcony.

    Reach out to Police Mutual for your Home Insurance needs

    Getting your home summer-ready is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. With a few thoughtful updates and the reassurance of Police Mutual Home Insurance, you can embrace the season with confidence and ease.

    If you’re looking to switch Home Insurance providers or needing to take out a policy for the first time, give us a call or apply online to get a quote in minutes.

    Sarah Blair

  • Going on Holiday? A Homeowner’s Checklist for Peace of Mind

    Going on Holiday? A Homeowner’s Checklist for Peace of Mind

    Brought to you by Police Mutual

    Summer holidays are a time to relax, recharge, and escape the daily grind. Before you jet off, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to ensure your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Whether you’re heading to the coast or flying abroad, this checklist brought to you by Police Mutual Home Insurance will help you enjoy your break with total peace of mind

    Secure All Entry Points

    Before you leave, double-check that all doors and windows are locked, including:

    • Garage doors
    • Loft hatches
    • Side gates and sheds

    Consider installing smart locks or security cameras for added protection. These upgrades not only enhance your home’s security but may also be viewed favourably by your home insurance provider.

    Make It Look Like You’re Home

    An empty house can be a target. Here’s how to keep up appearances:

    • Use timers on lights to mimic your usual routine.
    • Ask a neighbour to collect post or use Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service.
    • Leave a car in the driveway if possible.

    Some policies, including Police Mutual Home Insurance, may have conditions around unoccupied homes so it’s worth checking your documents before you go. You can always give us a call to check anything over if you have any concerns.

    Minimise Fire and Water Risks

    Before you head off:

    • Unplug non-essential appliances.
    • Turn off water at the mains (especially if you’re away for more than a week).
    • Test your smoke alarms.

    Water damage is one of the most common Home Insurance claims*. Taking these steps can help prevent costly incidents and unnecessary stress.

    Review Your Home Insurance Policy

    Make sure your policy:

    • Covers unoccupied periods (some limit this to 30 days).
    • Includes accidental damage and theft.
    • Reflects any recent home improvements or high-value purchases.

    If you’re unsure, contact Police Mutual to review your cover. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

    Let Someone You Trust Know

    Leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbour and give them:

    • Your contact details
    • Alarm codes (if needed)
    • Instructions in case of emergency

    They can act quickly if something goes wrong, potentially saving you from a costly claim.

     Reach out to Police Mutual for your Home Insurance needs

    At Police Mutual, we understand the importance of protecting what matters most. By following this checklist, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your home is secure and your insurance is ready to support you if needed.

    If you’re looking to switch Home Insurance providers or needing to take out a policy for the first time, give us a call or apply online to get a quote in minutes.

    *Source: What are the most common home insurance claims in the UK? – Which?

    Sarah Blair

  • Car & Home Insurance – How do you Make Sure you get the Best Value for your Needs Compared to the Cost?

    Car & Home Insurance – How do you Make Sure you get the Best Value for your Needs Compared to the Cost?

    Price increases and rising inflation are putting a lot of pressure on household finances. Many people are actively reviewing their finances and cutting back or eradicating expenditure where possible to make savings.

    Payments and prices will come under the spotlight. But it’s not always a case of searching out the lowest cost, you need to consider your personal needs and the value you want your policy to provide.

    Take insurance premiums for example. Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, but home insurance isn’t. So, at the extreme, someone could risk not insuring their home to save outgoings. But what a risk! Damage to the house structure or loss of home contents could be incredibly expensive to redress.

    So, how could you manage the amount you pay for your insurance whilst making sure it is still adequate for your needs? Options to look at could include opting to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, or not covering your home contents for accidental damage. When considering options like this you would need to consider how you would cover any additional costs that might arise in the event of a claim. For example, consider if you could afford to pay the higher excess in the event of a claim, or how you would replace items subject to accidental damage if you decided not to take that level of cover out with your policy. 

    Some insurance policies may promote a lower headline cost, but either not include certain elements that you personally would find useful or need, or make you pay extra for elements that you want to make use of.

    Examples include:

    • You might want to consider a car insurance policy that provides a courtesy car. If as a result of a claim your car needs to go in for repairs you would need to make arrangements to remain mobile for the period that your car is being repaired.
    • You might want to consider a home or car insurance policy that doesn’t charge to make changes during the time you hold the policy with the insurer. Changes you may need to make during the year could include mileage changes, address changes, insured driver changes and provision of duplicate documents. If your job or occupation changes, you might need to change your home or car insurance cover, for instance, if you become self-employed and work from home. If your policy charges for amendments these can add costs to your original premium paid.
    • You may want to review what policy extras you actually need, being mindful that you would need to consider how you would cover any additional costs arising if you decided to exclude policy add-ons.
    • Specialist Police car insurance policies may or may not include protection for officers travelling to or from work in their car whilst carrying official kit such as their Police Uniform. If you are a serving officer, you may want to make sure your policy covers you for this.

    So, it pays to look beyond the headline cost and get a policy that works for you and your specific needs.

    Reviewing your policy could make sure you have a policy that meets your individual needs and help reduce the chances of you being hit with any unexpected costs.

    If you are reviewing your insurance premium costs as part of your household finances review, you may be interested to know that you don’t need to wait until your renewal date to review and switch your insurance policy.

    Even if you took out an annual policy paid upfront as a lump sum, you may be able get a refund on some of your premiums and switch to a new insurer of your choice. However, some insurance companies may apply a cancellation charge for moving away from them during the term of the policy. You can help protect yourself from these charges by moving to an insurer that will pay some or all of the cancellation fees charged by your old insurer.

    If you move your car or home insurance to Police Mutual, any cancellation fees charged by your old insurer up to a maximum of £125 will be paid. So you can move straight away without waiting till renewal time. To give you an idea of cancellation charges, the average cancellation charge levied in 2024 (after the 14-day cooling off period) for car insurance was £55,[1] and while there are no official figures for home insurance in 2024, it’s usually between £25 and £50, according to NimbleFins.[2] Your existing policy documents should tell you what your exact cancellation charge would be.

    You can check out Police Mutual Car & Home Insurance here.

    Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS and Police Mutual Home Insurance is provided by Bspoke Underwriting Ltd.

    PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    [1] Average Cost to Cancel UK Car Insurance (2024) | NimbleFins

    [2] Home Cancellation Fees| NimbleFins

    Joanne Palmer

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