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What is Classed as an Unoccupied Property?
What is Classed as an Unoccupied Property? 500 334 James Hallam

Some empty or uninhabited homes are classed as “vacant” properties, and some as “unoccupied” properties.

It is important to understand the difference between these terms, as there are legal and insurance implications for each.

In this post we will explain what is classed as an unoccupied property, and discuss why this matters.

Unoccupied vs. Vacant Properties

You might think that an “unoccupied” property is simply one that does not contain any occupants. However, it is a little bit more complicated than this. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the property, it may be classed as either “unoccupied” or “vacant”.

What is an Unoccupied Property?

An “unoccupied property” is a property that was previously inhabited but which, for one reason or another, does not currently have any inhabitants.

When is a Home Classed as Unoccupied?

Here are some situations that might result in a home being classed as an unoccupied property:

  • A homeowner passes away, leaving their home empty. Their home will be classed as “unoccupied” until someone lives in it again – whether this is a beneficiary in a will, or a future occupant should the beneficiaries decide to sell the property.
  • A homeowner leaves their home for an extended period, such as for a long holiday or a business trip, or for the duration of a renovation project.
  • A second home that is only used at certain times of year might be classed as unoccupied when not in use.

A property will have to be left empty for a set period of time before it is legally classed as “unoccupied”. Different insurers will specify different time periods relating to when they consider a property to be unoccupied. Usually this is 30, 45 or 60 days or more. Check with your insurer to find out what they have specified in their policy.

What is a Vacant Property?

A vacant property is a property that is totally empty, with no current occupants.

When is a Home or Properly Classed a Vacant?

Examples of vacant properties include:

  • New builds and empty homes that have not yet found a buyer.
  • Unused storage, studio, or warehouse spaces.
  • Cleared commercial properties that are currently on the market, or which are soon to be on the market.
  • Abandoned or condemned properties that are due for demolition.

Unoccupied or Vacant Property Insurance Implications

Home insurance policies usually only cover occupied properties. As we mentioned above, your insurer might consider your home to be “unoccupied” if you leave it empty for more than 30 days at a time.

What happens if you leave your property empty for so long that it meets your insurer’s criteria for being “unoccupied”? Essentially, it means that your insurance may no longer be valid. If anything happens to your property while it is “unoccupied” – such as a fire, flood, or a burglary – then you may not be able to make a claim on your policy.

When Might You Be Affected by Unoccupied Property Insurance Issues?

Here are some situations where this might cause you serious problems:

  • If you have inherited a home. You will not be able to occupy, sell, or rent the property until the probate process is complete – that is, until the will has been fully settled. The probate process can take months, and delays are common. If the property is “unoccupied” throughout the process, then a standard home insurance policy may not provide the cover you need.
  • If you have a second home. If you leave your second home or your holiday home unoccupied for months at a time, then it is important to ensure that your insurance covers you for any periods when you are not using the home.
  • If you are planning an extended trip. If a planned holiday or business trip will take you away from your home for longer than the time specified in your policy, and if your home will be empty or no member of your family will be there while you are away, then you may inadvertently void your home insurance cover.

How To Keep An Unoccupied Property Safe

  • Take extra steps to secure the property. Invest in extra security, and consider shutting off the property’s utilities to reduce the risk of fires and floods. However, if the home will be unoccupied through the winter months, setting the heating to come on at certain points during the day can prevent pipes from freezing, which can make leaks less likely.
  • Check on the property from time to time. If you can periodically check on the property, you can address any potential issues, such as leaks, before they become truly problematic. Even better, if you can spend the night at the house from time to time, or even appoint someone to look after the property for you, you can ensure that the home never meets your insurer’s criteria for being unoccupied.
  • Get specialist insurance for unoccupied properties. Dedicated probate insurance can give you full cover throughout the entire probate period. Similarly, specialist second home insurance can provide cover even if your second home is unoccupied for extended periods throughout the year.

Get Dedicated Unoccupied Home Insurance From James Hallam

Whether you are dealing with the probate process for an inherited home, or you need some specialist insurance for a second home, we can help you get the cover you need at a competitive price.

Learn more about our expert private insurance services here.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?
Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut? 500 334 James Hallam

Do you need planning permission for a shepherd’s hut? It depends on a few things, such as where you want to build the hut, and how you intend to use it.

In this post we will explore some situations where you probably will not need planning permission for a shepherd’s hut. We will also discuss some situations where you might need some form of permission.

How Personal Use and Permitted Development Applies to Shepherd’s Huts

If you plan to build a shepherd’s hut on your own land – such as in your back garden – and if the hut is just for your personal use, then you may not need any planning permission.

A shepherd’s hut is classed as an outbuilding. Most homeowners have “permitted development” rights for certain types of outbuildings, including sheds, cabins, summerhouses, and shepherd’s hut. Among these permitted rights is a right to proceed with construction without getting planning permission.

Shepherd’s Hut Permitted Development Criteria

For permitted development rights to apply, there are certain criteria that your shepherd’s hut must satisfy:

  • It must be for personal use only. You cannot rent it out to others.
  • It must be built to the side or the back of your house. You cannot build it in your front garden, or anywhere else in front of your house.
  • If you are going to build the shepherd’s hut within two metres of your house boundaries, then it must not exceed 2.5 metres in height. If you are building the shepherd’s hut two metres or further from your house boundaries, then its eaves cannot be higher than 2.5 metres, and the highest point of its roof must not be more than four metres from the ground.
  • The shepherd’s hut, along with other outbuildings and developments, cannot take up more than 50% of your land beyond your home. This might not be an issue if you have a large garden, or an extensive plot of land. But if you already have sheds or other outbuildings on your land, you may have to demolish some older structures before you add anything new.

You can read the full government permitted development rights guidelines.

Properties Excluded From Permitted Development Rights

You may not have permitted development rights if your property is a listed building, or if it is located in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, or a national park.

If your property is a listed building, or if it is located in any such area, then you should seek guidance and permission before you consider building a shepherd’s hut.

When Will You Need Planning Permission For Your Shepherd’s Hut?

You may need planning permission for your shepherd’s hut if:

  • The hut would not meet any of the criteria outlined above.
  • You intend to make money from your shepherd’s hut.

Permitted development rights do not extend to any structures you build for commercial use. This includes building shepherd’s huts for use as holiday accommodation. It may also include building a commercial hut to use as a home office, or as the premises for a home business.

Often, you may not necessarily need planning permission for the hut itself. The permission will be for “change of use” – meaning that you will be applying to change the use of your land from domestic, or agricultural, to commercial. This means that you will likely need to seek permission to build a shepherd’s hut on a plot of land that is separate from your main domestic property.

How To Get Planning Permission For Your Shepherd’s Hut

First, contact your local planning authority. You can find contact information for your local planning authority on the Planning Portal.

Tell your local planning authority about what you intend to build, where you intend to build it, and how you intend to use it. They will then be able to advise you on the type of application you may need to put together, including the key documents and drawings you will need to supply.

You may have to pay certain fees as part of the planning process. The planning authority may come back to you with questions about your application, and with requests for additional information.

What Else Will I Need To Build a Shepherd’s Hut?

Beyond planning permission, the most important thing to consider is insurance.

It is a very good idea to get dedicated insurance for your shepherd’s hut, regardless of where you build it, and how you intend to use it.

You will certainly need specialist insurance if you plan to lease your hut to holidaymakers. But even if you are building a shepherd’s hut for personal use in your back garden, a dedicated policy will help fill any gaps in cover that are not provided by your main home insurance policy.

Learn more about shepherd’s hut insurance, and what it covers.

Get Specialist Shepherd’s Hut Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever you build it, and however you use it. We will cover you whether you keep your shepherd’s hut on your own land, or on a separate plot of land.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

How Much is Quad Bike Insurance?
How Much is Quad Bike Insurance? 500 334 James Hallam

Quad bike insurance may also be referred to as ATV insurance. Like all insurance policies, the amount you pay for your cover will depend on a number of factors, including the way you use your quad bike, and the specific type of vehicle you drive.

In this post we will outline some of the factors that can affect the price of a quad bike insurance policy.

How Much Does Quad Bike Insurance Cost?

It is hard to give a ballpark figure for the price of a quad bike insurance policy, as the cost can vary greatly from person to person. Below we will explore the key factors that can influence the price of your policy. If you would like a free quote for ATV cover, be sure to get in touch.

What Can Affect The Price of Quad Bike Insurance?

Your Personal Circumstances

Insurers will take your personal circumstances into consideration when calculating the cost of your cover. Among other things, they will factor in your age, your driving history, and your location.

Younger drivers tend to get involved in more accidents than older and more experienced drivers, so the younger you are, the more you are likely to pay for your cover.

Similarly, if you have a history of insurance claims, or if you have any spent or unspent convictions on your licence, your insurer may consider you a higher risk driver, and increase the price of your policy accordingly.

Your location can also affect the cost of your cover. Quad bikes and ATVs are prime targets for thieves, as they can fetch a good price on the second-hand market. Vehicle theft tends to be more prevalent in certain areas. So, if you are based in a location with high crime rates, it could result in higher premiums.

The Type of ATV You Drive

The more expensive and powerful your quad bike or ATV, the more it will cost to cover.

This is because thieves may be more likely to target high-end quad bikes and ATVs. Also, powerful vehicles may be more likely to get involved in accidents. And if they are damaged, they may cost more to repair.

How You Use Your Quad Bike

Your mileage can affect the cost of your cover. The more you use your quad bike, the more likely it is that you will be involved in an accident. So, the higher your mileage, the higher your premiums.

Insurers will also want to know whether you will be using your quad bike off-road, such as for agricultural purposes, or whether you will be taking it onto public roads. Off-road quad bike insurance usually costs less than on-road insurance, as it does not need to include any cover for third parties.

Where You Store Your Quad Bike

As we have already mentioned, quad bikes and ATVs can be a prime target for thieves. If you can take steps to secure your quad bike when not in use, it can bring down the cost of your cover.

Storing your quad bike or ATV in a locked garage, ideally with CCTV cover and automatic floodlights, can deter thieves and lower your premiums. On a similar note, installing alarms, trackers, or immobilisers on your quad bike can also get you a discount.

Types of Quad Bike Insurance

We mentioned above that you can choose between on-road and off-road cover. In either case, you will have a choice of different levels of cover. And obviously, the more substantial cover you get, the more you will pay.

  • On-road Quad Bike Insurance – You will be able to choose between third-party only cover, third party with fire and theft, and comprehensive cover. Optional extras might include breakdown cover, personal accident cover, cover for driving abroad, and cover for certain bits of kit, such as your helmet and leathers.
  • Off-road Quad Bike Insurance – The cost of this will depend on how you use your quad bike, and how often you use it. If you use your quad bike or ATV for agricultural work, for example, you might want personal accident cover, and cover for certain equipment and accessories. If you use your quad bike for sport or leisure purposes, you might need specialist track day cover, and cover for driving abroad, should you take part in international events.

Get The Quad Bike Cover You Need At The Best Possible Price

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.

While historically it has not been easy to insure quad bikes and ATVs because only a limited number of insurers provide this cover, it is a market where we have extensive experience. We provide specialist ATV insurance for clients who use their ATVs in connection with agricultural work or shoots. We also provide a specialist scheme to BASC members giving them additional benefits.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

Do I Need Insurance For a Beach Hut?
Do I Need Insurance For a Beach Hut? 500 306 James Hallam

If you have invested in a beach hut, then it is essential that you get adequate insurance cover. Whether you rent your beach hut, or own it outright, and whether you use your beach hut for business or for pleasure, specialist beach hut insurance can give you cover for a range of risks.

Why You Need Beach Hut Insurance

As they are located directly on the seafront, beach huts can be exposed to harsh weather conditions all year round. Through the winter months, this can include high winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy precipitation.

Also, as beach huts are typically made out of wood, they are vulnerable to fire.

Finally, if you store high value items in your beach hut, there is the added risk of theft.

Insurance can cover you for all of these risks, and more.

Can Home Insurance Cover my Beach Hut?

However, your standard property insurance is unlikely to extend to your beach hut. In fact, the risks for beach huts can be so high that some insurers may be unlikely to cover them at all. This is why you will need specialist beach hut insurance to ensure you get all the cover you need.

What Type of Insurance do I Need for a Beach Hut?

Some local councils may stipulate that you need certain types of cover in place for your beach hut. For more information, contact your local council. In our experience, many councils require you to have public liability insurance up to £5 million as part of your licence. For this reason, even if you don’t own the beach hut or do not want to insure the building, we provide an option where you can take out an insurance policy covering just the contents and public liability.

What Does Beach Hut Insurance Cover?

  • Property cover – Cover for structural damage as a result of storms, flooding, or other severe weather events. It can also include cover for damages resulting from break-ins or vandalism.
  • Contents cover – Your beach hut insurance policy can include cover for any items you store within your beach hut, including furniture and sport equipment.
  • Public liability cover – If you rent out your beach hut to holidaymakers, or even if you invite guests over, public liability insurance can cover members of the public for any injuries they may sustain in or around your beach hut.

How Much Is Beach Hut Insurance?

The amount you pay for your beach hut insurance will depend on a number of factors:

  • Your hut’s location. You may have to pay more for your insurance if your hut is located in an area that is prone to flooding, or if it is in an area with high crime rates.
  • How you use your hut. Do you use it yourself, or do you rent it out to others? Do you use it purely for leisure purposes, or do you run a business from your beach hut? All of these factors, and more, can affect the price of your policy.
  • The size of your hut. A small hut will cost a lot less to insure than a large hut fitted with plumbing and cooking facilities.

You may be able to get a discount on your beach hut insurance if you:

  • Are a member of a beach hut association.
  • Take out a combined policy (i.e. buildings and contents cover on the same policy).

Get Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. You will deal directly with our dedicated team, whether you are a new or existing customer, and in the event of a claim.

We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Do I Need Insurance For My Shepherd’s Hut?
Do I Need Insurance For My Shepherd’s Hut? 500 334 James Hallam

If you own a shepherd’s hut, or you are considering buying one, then it is absolutely vital that you get specialist shepherd’s hut insurance.

In this post we will explain why you need shepherd’s hut insurance, and discuss what a good policy should cover.

Will My Home Insurance Cover My Shepherd’s Hut?

Your standard home insurance policy may not extend to covering your shepherd’s hut. If the hut is not in your garden – if it is located on a separate plot of land that you either own or rent – then your home insurance certainly will not give you the cover you need.

Why You Need Shepherd’s Hut Insurance

A shepherd’s hut is a significant investment of time and money. If the unthinkable were to happen – such as a fire, a flood, or a break-in – then good insurance cover would give you some much needed protection, and the settlement you need to bounce back.

Plus, if you rent your shepherd’s hut to holidaymakers, you will face a range of risks that will not be covered by a standard property insurance policy. You may be liable for any injuries sustained on your property, for example.

For these reasons, only specialist shepherd’s hut insurance will give you the cover you need.

What To Look For In A Shepherd’s Hut Insurance Policy

  • Cover for your shepherd’s hut building, along with its contents. A good policy should also cover the hut’s chassis, and any other structures or features you add, such as awnings, firepits, showers, toilets, or hot tubs.
  • Cover for letting your shepherd’s hut, if necessary. This might include public liability insurance, which will cover you should any of your guests have an accident while renting your shepherd’s hut.
  • If you do let your hut to holidaymakers, you might also look for loss of letting income insurance. This way, if you are ever unable to let out your shepherd’s hut due to an insured event, you can be covered for any shortcomings in your income.

Important Things To Tell Your Insurer When Taking Out Shepherd’s Hut Insurance

  • The amount you paid for your shepherd’s hut, along with any additional structures, fixtures, or features you added. This will help your insurer calculate the building sum insured, which will determine how much you pay for your policy.
  • The total cost of all of your shepherd’s hut’s contents, including outdoor furniture.
  • How you use your shepherd’s hut. Is it for your own personal use, or do you rent it out to holidaymakers? If so, how often do you rent it out?
  • Your hut’s location. Is it in your garden, or on a separate piece of land? This will determine your risk profile, as a hut in an isolated field may be more vulnerable to theft, and more exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Get Specialist Shepherd’s Hut Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, whether you use it as a home office, a holiday let, or just your own private getaway. We will cover you whether you keep your shepherd’s hut on your own land, or on a separate plot of land.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

house in snow

How to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage
How to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage 600 400 James Hallam

As Storm Bert approaches, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptive snow, it’s vital to prepare your home to minimise potential damage. Here are some practical steps to keep your property and family safe:

Secure your home

  • Inspect your roof: Check for loose or missing tiles and secure them to prevent leaks or damage from strong winds or heavy snow.
  • Clear gutters and drains: Remove leaves and debris to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding.
  • Secure outdoor furniture and items: Tie down or bring in garden furniture, plant pots, bins, and other loose objects that could be picked up by the wind.
  • Trim trees and shrubs: Cut back overhanging branches that could fall and damage your property or a neighbour’s during the storm.
  • Reinforce weak spots: Check for cracks or loose fittings in doors and windows, and seal any gaps to prevent wind, snow, or water from coming in.

Prepare for snowfall

  • Insulate pipes: Prevent them from freezing and bursting by wrapping them in insulation.
  • Clear snow regularly: If safe to do so, clear snow from driveways, walkways, and around the property to reduce ice build-up.
  • Check your heating: Ensure your boiler is working efficiently and bleed radiators to maximise warmth.
  • Stock grit or salt: Keep supplies to make pathways safer for walking and reduce slipping hazards.

Prepare for power outages

  • Charge devices: Fully charge mobile phones, power banks, and other essential electronics.
  • Have torches ready: Keep torches and spare batteries to hand – avoid candles to reduce fire risks.
  • Stock up on essentials: Ensure you have non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first-aid kit.

Prevent flood damage

  • Use sandbags: Place them at vulnerable doorways and entry points to help keep water out.
  • Move valuables upstairs: Move irreplaceable items or electronics to higher levels of your home.
  • Install flood guards: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing barriers on doors and air bricks.

With these precautions, you can reduce the risk of storm damage and protect what matters most. Stay safe this week as Storm Bert brings its mix of extreme weather to many areas of the UK.

Check your home insurance

Review your home insurance policy to ensure you have sufficient cover in place against storm damage, including snow, wind, and flooding. If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.

You can contact any of the team on:

Home Insurance: 03330 111998 or email PLExisting@jameshallam.co.uk.

HNW Home Insurance: 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.

Preparing your holiday home for the high season – your contents checklist
Preparing your holiday home for the high season – your contents checklist 1920 1280 James Hallam

With another busy season ahead, if you have a holiday home – in the UK or abroad – that you let out to guests, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve taken stock of all your contents so that you can make sure nothing goes missing and that you can keep an eye on the condition of your furniture and other items over the course of the year. It will also help you to make sure you have the right levels of contents insurance in place.

Why create a contents check list for your holiday home?

If you regularly let out your holiday home, your contents are likely to get a lot more use, and therefore wear and tear. With a checklist, you can make notes on the condition of your contents at regular intervals, meaning you can keep track of damage deposits and make sure your guests are more careful with your things.

Your checklist is also a great way of showing your holiday homes extra features and benefits to your guests – even if that’s just as an aide memoire for you to use when you are marketing your property.

What to include on your holiday home contents checklist

As well as listing each of your contents, it’s a great idea to include some notes on each of the items, including any features and existing damage. You could include the cost or worth of each item on your personal copy. Photographs are also a great addition, especially if you need to make an insurance claim.

Your checklist will be easier to manage if you separate it into zones – living, sleeping, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor. Remember to include the smaller items, as well as larger and more expensive items, as well as fire alarms, extinguishers, hose pipes outside, etc.

How often should you check the list?

It’s probably not feasible to run through your checklist between every let, but it’s a good idea to schedule in a full inspection every quarter, or at least every six months.

Hygiene is top of the agenda for holiday lets, hostels, hotels and any other accommodation that checks guests in and out regularly. It always has been. But now, more than ever your customers will be looking for good hygiene measures to be in place.

If you’re looking for insurance options for your holiday home, or if you’re looking to buy a property abroad and want to check what cover is available, contact our Private Clients team on 020 7977 7846 or PCL@jameshallam.co.uk.

Water leak detection
Water leak detection 1920 1280 James Hallam

Understand how to avoid costly water damage to your property by way of installing a water leak detection or prevention system and those that are available on the market today.

At some point you may have heard of a friend or family member who has suffered a water leak or burst pipe at their home and you may think that this will never happen to you, but how sure are you that your plumbing system will not fail at any given moment?

The Household Insurance market has seen a dramatic increase in both the frequency and severity of claims relating to Escape of Water from pipes, tanks and general apparatus with 1 in 4 claims being attributed to Escape of Water, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The amount of water that can pour into your home when a pipe bursts is unfathomable which can be very distressing. A Household Insurance Policy will, of course, operate in the event of an “Escape of Water”, and insurers will arrange for the property to be dried out, replace damaged belongings and even provide you with alternative accommodation, but subsequently, how will your insurance policy be impacted?

For example, insurers may increase premiums payable at your next renewal, apply larger policy excess and even request a plumbing system survey be carried out.  In addition, there may be the requirement for a Water Leak Detection System to be installed.

Post loss, some insurers will provide a contribution towards the cost of installing a Water Leak Detection System, but do you want to risk being in the position where you have to leave your family home for months to enable insurers to carry out the required remedial works.

Why not act first and install a system that will monitor your plumbing, giving you complete peace of mind, preventing this awful scenario from happening.

How does a water leak detector or prevention system work?

Water Leak Detection Systems detect potential plumbing problems by monitoring the water flow within the pipes, which could result in a water leak and damage to your property.

These systems can detect and notify you of a leak via an application on a smart device. This will enable you to receive the alert no matter where you are, allowing you to return home to shut off your water at the mains supply and arrange for a plumber to attend your property before major damage has been sustained.

The prevention systems can help to safeguard your home further, by automatically shutting off the water in approximately five seconds after a leak has been detected, saving you the worry of rushing home wondering what awaits you, and of course a large insurance claim which could take months to rectify the damage caused.

These systems can also be linked to your intruder alarm monitoring station so that when you are away from home you will still have the peace of mind that should a leak occur it will be taken care of in your absence.

For more information please contact our Private Clients team on privateclients@jameshallam.co.uk

Is it safe to travel in 2021?
Is it safe to travel in 2021? 1920 1280 James Hallam

After Boris Johnson unveiled his lockdown exit plan many people will find summer holiday deals very tempting, but the risk that plans could be disrupted due to Covid-19 is ever present. The roll-out of the vaccine has seen a surge of optimism that travel will be possible again this summer. But many won’t have had their first vaccination, or will be uncertain whether individual counties will allow British nationals to travel.

Here is everything you need to know: from the latest on package holidays, vaccinations, and flight cancellations.

What do we know about foreign travel?

In England the earliest that foreign holidays will be allowed to resume is 17 May however another surge in Covid cases in Europe, as well as a slow roll out of vaccines has cast doubt whether foreign travel can go ahead. A review into the safety of reopening borders will need to be conducted, considering the infection rates and vaccine take-up.

Currently, travellers are required to test for Covid-19 at their own expense both when leaving the UK and returning home. These measures are likely to stay in place until at least mid-May along with the need to quarantine for 10 days for arrivals from red list countries. However the latest legislation, set to come in next week, will be for those attempting to take a holiday abroad without a reasonable excuse will result in £5000 fine.

What is the travel traffic light system and how will it work?

Travel destinations will be ranked green, amber or red according to vaccination rates, Covid variants and number of cases and various other factors.

The guidelines haven’t been released yet, but it is likely to look something like this:

  • Travellers returning from low-risk “green” countries will need to take a Covid test before they return to UK, followed by two further tests on day 2 and day 8 after they arrive.
  • Travellers returning from medium risk “amber” countries will have to take a pre-departure test, then self isolate at home for ten days. They will also have to take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine, but could also take a private test on day 5 in order to leave self-isolation.
  • Travellers returning from high risk “red” countries will have to take a test before entering the UK and then pay £1,70 to quarantine in a hotel for 11 days. They will then have to take two further Covid tests at their own expense on day 2 and day 8 of isolation.

What Covid restrictions are likely to be in place in other countries?

If their borders are open at all, most destinations will only allow travellers with proof of two Covid vaccinations however some may accept a recent negative Covid-19 test result. Check the government website for each country’s specific requirements.

How can I protect my holiday booking?

This year a package holiday could be the safest way to travel for one simple reason: if the tour operator is forced to cancel because of restrictions, you are entitled to a full refund via the package regulations.

Please note that Coronavirus remains a known event and therefore cancellation claims through some insurers will not covered on trips booked during the lockdown period.

Are airlines issuing refunds?

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you are due a refund. This applies for all flights on any airline that departs from an EU country. Outside the EU it is slightly more complex and you will need to contact the individual airline. For those wishing to cancel their own flight, the majority of airlines are allowing cancellations but in some cases this has taken over a month to process.

What about vaccine passports?

To be able to travel this year you may require proof in the form of a vaccine passport. A vaccine passport can be defined as a piece of documentation, likely to be in the form of a mobile app or similar system, proving someone has been inoculated against COVID-19.

I don’t want to be vaccinated – will I be able to travel abroad?

You may find certain avenues closed to you. Some countries and holiday firms may require you to have been vaccinated, and to be able to prove it.

If you currently arranging you travel insurance through us at James Hallam please get in contact before arranging your trip so we can provide you with up to date information. privateclients@jameshallam.co.uk

You can find the latest travel advice and warnings on the Government website here.

Preventing Storm Damage
Preventing Storm Damage 1920 1440 James Hallam

If your home has been damaged by a storm, dealing with the aftermath can be emotionally and financially exhausting.

To help you avoid the worst, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can help protect your home from suffering a significant loss in event of a flood.

Before a flood

The best thing you can do at any time of the year is to make sure your property is safe. Regular checks can help your home stand up to bad weather when it comes.

  • Check your roof for any loose or missing tiles, crumbling pointing or any other signs of damage.
  • Remove hazardous branches in your garden, particularly those close to windows or power lines. Be careful as some trees are safeguarded, so if you’re unsure whether a tree can be cut check with your local planning authority.
  • Keep gutters clear of moss and leaves. If your gutters overflow during a downpour, it’s time to give them a good clean.
  • Prepare a storm emergency kit, just in case you need to leave your home during the storm. Pack warm clothes, medicines, a torch and batteries.

Find out if your postcode is at risk from a flood at Gov.uk here.

During a flood

  • Prevent water getting into your premises where possible by using flood barriers such as sandbags.
  • Move any furniture and possessions to a higher floor level or raised location
  • Check to see if your gas/water/electricity supply is working, and if not, call the suppliers to report it.
  • Switch off any gas/electricity supply that might be affected.

After a flood

Experiencing a flood can be frightening, and the activities of normal life can be disrupted. It is important not to underestimate the stress and strain of being flooded and cleaning up after floods. Here are a few steps to help deal with the aftermath.

  • List any damage to your property and don’t throw anything away in case it’s needed for the claims process. Don’t dispose of anything until you have photographed it for your records.
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives and help them make any arrangements for repairs
  • Remember to keep clear of electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are hanging loose
  • Make sure the building is structurally safe
  • Ventilate and dehumidify the property.
  • Listen to the advice of the authorities and follow any instructions they give to leave the property.
  • If you are told to wait for the rescue service please do so.

If you have been affected and need to make a claim you can contact our team here.

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