Here's everything you need to know about selling your property at auction, including if it's a smart option and how the process works.

1. Locate an Auction House

The first stage to selling your home at auction is to find a reliable auction house.

When exploring online, you'll most likely come across two types of auctions: online and in-person auction houses.

They both provide the same service; one is just delivered virtually while the other is in person.

When searching for an auction house, always check (and compare) factors like company reviews, marketing techniques and costs related with the sale.

2. Provide Your Details

Prepare to answer questions like:

• Is the property already on the market?
• Is there a mortgage?
• What is the ownership status?
• The property’s condition
• Any legal challenges you may be aware of
• The estimated value
• How promptly do you need the transaction to go through

3. Get Your Estimate

We can give you an estimated figure of how much your property could possibly sell for.

4. Sign the Contracts

If you’re pleased with the auction house and the service they give, it’s time to get ready.

You’ll be asked to sign the paperwork agreeing to the terms and conditions of the sale, including things like what the guide and reserve price will be.

5. Instruct Your Solicitor

You’ll need to instruct your solicitor before you put the property on the market with an auction.

This is because the turnaround time for an auction sale is typically very fast, so potential buyers need to check the legal pack before they bid.

6. Auction Takes Place

The auction will be held, and your home will be sold in the process.

The property could be taken off your hands in less than a month, depending on the amount of time your auction house gives the buyers.

Selling Up?

If you’re not sure whether selling your home at auction is a good idea, we’d love to chat!

We are your local property experts in the area and we can help talk through your selling options.

Follow our tips to take advantage of the changing seasons to sell your home... 

Spring cleaning is essential 

If you want to sell your property swiftly in the coming months, you should follow the long-standing tradition of a good spring clean. Washing all the windows and doors, inside and out, will leave a positive impression on potential buyers. Make sure your home is clean and bright to reflect the fresher spring months. 

Don't overlook your outdoor areas 

As the weather warms up, people naturally cast a more scrutinising eye on the outdoor spaces of the properties they are interested in. It's easy to leave your garden untidy after a long winter but running the lawnmower over it and tidying up those exterior places will make your home much more appealing. 

Spring has sprung 

Plant flowers at your front door to welcome the changing seasons - a planter full of bright colours will put potential buyers in a good frame of mind. Buyers will be happier if there are pops of colour around the home, making them more inclined to make an offer. Fresh flowers in the house will also make a big difference and create the perfect tone, so fill a few vases and distribute them about the house for a continual wow factor. 

Accessorise to your heart’s content 

A few items can make a big difference in the overall presentation of your home and matching them to the season is a great way to wow potential buyers. To brighten up your rooms, choose soft spring colours - blankets, pillows, towels, and bed linens are all easy to switch out to create the perfect ambience, and you can take them with you when you sell your home. 

Smells like a good deal 

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are crucial, since research shows that buyers only take 8 minutes to decide whether they want to buy a property. A fresh-smelling property makes the best first impression, so make sure you've aired it out and there are no unpleasant odours. Putting some bread in the oven and creating a homey, welcome atmosphere is a sure-fire technique to infuse your home with a pleasant and appealing smell. 

Keen to know more about how you can leave a lasting impression on your buyers? Get in touch today. 

Average annual property prices rose from 11.2% in January to 12.6% in February, the strongest pace of growth since June 2021. After seven consecutive months of climbing prices, we saw a month-on-month increase of 1.7% in February, showing that the market is still very much in favour of sellers. *

Since the start of Nationwide’s monthly index in 1991, there has never been as big of an annual growth in prices, as there was in the year leading up to February 2022. The price of a typical home now averages above £260,000, demonstrating an increase of over £29,000 in just twelve months.

In comparison to February 2020, UK property prices are now 20% higher – meaning sellers can now achieve up to £44,138 more for their property than they could before the pandemic. *

With market activity remaining robust, demand for properties still high, and mortgage approvals running above pre-pandemic levels, it is safe to say this combination is creating a great market for sellers.

Have you been thinking of selling this spring? Book your valuation with us today.

*Property Reporter

Information from a market-leading property portal indicates rents have risen at the fastest rate on record, and tenant demand has almost doubled. At a time when interest rates on traditional savings accounts are low, many believe it is a good time to invest in the property market. * 

Lenders are evidently committed to supporting prospective landlords. A recent report from a popular money comparison site revealed there are currently 2,235 mortgage products on offer to first-time landlords, an increase of more than 70% than the same time last year.  

A huge 64% of available buy-to-let mortgage products are catering to first-time investors and rates are attractive, allowing landlords to protect themselves against future rate rises by locking into a good deal with a fixed-rate mortgage. The average two-year fixed rate mortgage for a first-time landlord is currently 3.19%, rising to 3.47% for a five-year fixed product.  

If you would like to explore buy-to-let properties and mortgage products which could lay the foundations for your property portfolio, call us today and talk to one of our team members. 

*Property Reporter 

Although insurance policies can often feel like pouring funds down the drain, it is important to ensure you protect yourself. 

Before you commit to a landlord, there are two main questions to consider: 

What insurance does my landlord have in place?  

Before signing your tenancy agreement, ask the agent which types of insurance policies the landlord holds. At a minimum, a landlord should always have buildings insurance. It is worth asking if the buildings insurance policy includes alternative accommodation cover, as this would give you somewhere to stay if your home became uninhabitable following an event like a fire or flood.  

Typically, a landlord will also insure the contents of the property you are moving into. Ask what is covered by their contents insurance policy, such as furniture, carpets, curtains and other fixtures and fittings.   

What is the best type of tenants’ insurance for me?  

Many tenants are unaware that, in most cases, their belongings are not covered by their landlord’s insurance. 

Tenants will need their own insurance to protect their belongings against situations like a fire, flood, water damage or burglary, for example. Exactly which items are covered by tenants’ insurance will vary from one policy to another but, typically, you will be protecting the value of personal possessions like clothes, jewellery, furniture, electrical items, replacement locks following theft or loss of keys, cash stolen from your home and bicycles whilst on the premises.  

If you are an existing tenant or you are thinking about renting, contact us for more information. 

The concept of Spring Cleaning (in the United Kingdom) evolved during the 1800s out of the necessity to keep the house warm in Winter. March and April became recognised as the ‘perfect’ months in which to thoroughly clean the house by washing walls and paintwork, beating carpets and textiles, polishing furniture, and scrubbing floors. This was because the weather was warm enough to open doors and windows but not yet warm enough to encourage insects such as flies in from the outside. 

Nowadays of course, deep cleaning your home also provides an opportunity to change the weight of curtains - to perhaps cotton or linen - and to simplify window treatments that seemed cosy in the winter but now feel rather heavy. 

Spring Cleaning 

When planning a thorough clean of your home, whatever the scale, it is extremely helpful to walk through the space armed with a notebook and camera (phone) and survey the room, not in terms of measurement, but noting and recording with a view to cleaning and repairing. This is not the time to think ‘Oh it’ll do’, ‘It’s fine’ or, even worse, ‘No-one will notice’. This isn’t about other people’s reactions. 

Preparation Checklist  

Do you have all your materials such as:  

» Mops  

» Microfibre cloths  

» Sponges  

» Household rubber gloves  

» Bags and bin liners Do you have all your products such as:  

» Bleach (use very sparingly)  

» Toilet/floor cleaner 

» Specialist cleaning products such as oven cleaner. 

Once you have all the tools, it’s time to prepare for your spring clean. 

Clear the Decks 

This is an extremely important stage of the spring cleaning process and emotionally may be the most difficult. Beginning with the bedroom, go through every single drawer and cupboard in the entire house placing each item into one of four boxes: things to keep; things to wash and keep; things to donate to the charity shop and things to throw away either in the recycling bin or the local tip.  

Clear shelves, empty drawers and cupboards and fill the bins; clean each item before placing into the bin (wrapped in tissue if required) as you work through each room. 

As you move through each room, consider the following: 

» Open the windows.  

» Wash the curtains or have professionally cleaned.  

» Dust and clean any other furniture.  

» Dust art and decorative objects.  

» Wash windows and windowsills. 

» Wash walls if required.  

» Vacuum, sweep and wash floors. 

Is your property clean and ready for a viewing? Contact us today. 

For the vast majority of us, owning a home will be one of the most significant financial investments we'll ever make. Therefore, maximising its worth is critical if we want to move up the property ladder.

We've taken this opportunity as your top local expert to explain some of the key aspects of your valuation so that you understand exactly what you're receiving and why.

What does “property valuation” mean?

A property valuation is an analysis of your home's worth. A variety of considerations, including the type and size of the property, its condition and location, as well as the seasonal and national trends in the local property market, are all factors we take into account.

It is a good idea to have a local agent conduct your valuation. They will know the local market and be able to target buyers in that area with effective marketing, which will lead to more viewings.

When choosing a representative, it is important to consider the service promise and success metrics, rather than the highest value.

Why is it crucial to obtain an up-to-date valuation?

While you may not be ready to sell right now, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your local market.

Knowing your home's worth can also mean that when you are ready to sell, you'll be prepared and ready, saving you time and energy right from the beginning of your property journey.

Whether you're looking to sell now or in the future, you can get your up-to-date property valuation here.

Properties with four bedrooms or more, saw the biggest price increase in March, with values soaring by £28,619 (3.8%). In fact, if you’re considering selling your three or four-bedroom home, you could find a buyer within the first two weeks of marketing. *

As a seller, you may be wondering why prices keep rising. It’s simple: demand remains incredibly high. This spring is said to be the best-ever spring to sell your home, and it’s true. The imbalance between supply and demand is the biggest that has ever been measured at this time of year, meaning you’re likely to secure a sale quickly, for an incredible price.

Are you ready to secure a sale this spring? We’re ready to help. Get in touch with us to book a property valuation today.

*Rightmove

Here are five to start with:     

1. Has the property been on the market for a long time? 

It’s normal for a home to take a few months to sell. After that, you may need to dig a little deeper to discover why the property has been on the market a little longer than usual.  

By pressing for more information, you could save yourself any worries in the long run. 

2. Have there been any significant alterations? 

It’s always a good idea to check what renovations or extensions have taken place over the years. Of course, we recommend having any property professionally surveyed before signing on the dotted line.  

3. What is staying with the property? 

When you set your heart on a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget about the finer details. Do you know what the current owners intend to leave behind? How will this affect your moving arrangements and budget? Make sure any remaining items are listed in the contract to avoid any potential delays further down the line. 

4. What are the likely running costs? 

Pay close attention to hard-to-control factors such as the council tax band. Also, check the average utility costs in the area and think about how you’ll heat your home. Location can be a consideration too, especially if you're moving to a more rural area. In this case, factoring in any increased travel costs is a good idea.  

5. Are there any issues with the neighbours? 

The seller must give a true account of any disputes, from disagreements over boundary lines to formal noise complaints. While their answer may not stop you from buying, forewarned is forearmed. 

Ready to start the search for a new home? We have some fantastic properties available to browse here. 

If you are struggling to find what you are searching for, contact us with your requirements and we will suggest the best matches for you.  

Being a landlord is a rewarding way to secure your income while providing quality housing for tenants. However, according to a recent survey, 24% of landlords feel overwhelmed keeping up with changing regulations.  

The main reasons landlords felt this way included finding the rules confusing and a lack of access to legal advice. For example, 16% didn’t know about licencing scheme changes, 12% were unaware of the new requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and 10% had missed the news regarding proposals for minimum EPC standards. * 

Keeping up-to-date with every announcement and making the necessary changes to your properties can feel like a full-time job. This has a knock-on effect on landlords’ mental health, with over half of those surveyed admitting they’d taken time off work.  

So, what’s the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of being a landlord without the stress?  

Other than carrying out time-consuming research, reading trade publications, and enlisting the advice of a lawyer, the survey showed that almost a third have a letting agent to help. 20% also believe employing a managing agent would make life easier. * 

It’s certainly true that working in partnership with a trusted local agent can help you simplify the process of letting your property, especially if you manage a portfolio. 

Whatever your situation and long-term plans, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services and arrange a lettings valuation.   

*DirectLine 

The imbalance between supply and demand means that the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks is now applying pressure on the Government to increase rental stock across the UK.  

Now is the perfect time for new landlords to enter the market and make a good return while providing homes to those who need them.  

Have you had a lettings valuation in the past? You may be surprised by how much your potential rental is worth now. 

If you’ve got an unoccupied property on your hands, contact us to learn more about our bespoke services and book a lettings valuation.  

With daffodils and spring flowers in full bloom and warmer weather here, the first garden party of the season is just around the corner. However, your garden furniture may still be suffering the effects of winter.

While replacing old pieces with a spending spree at your favourite garden centre may be tempting, there are easier and cheaper ways to deal with tired furniture! For example, black and deep grey paintwork can transform dull fences, planters, and pots into striking backdrops for your greenery. A simple solution that can make a huge difference.

With petrol prices soaring, it is no surprise that many young drivers in the UK are switching to electric cars to tackle running costs. But can electric cars really cut down on fuel expenses?

Although electric cars will most likely cost more upfront than petrol cars, slow depreciation and higher projected residual values help to narrow down buying and financing costs while also keeping running costs at an unparalleled low.

The benefits of electric cars

Electric vehicles come with a myriad of benefits, including:

• Low environmental impact
• No congestion charges
• Lower running costs
• Renewable electricity tariffs
• Better driving experience
• Government funding
• Free parking
• Reduced noise pollution
• Increased resale value

One of the most rewarding advantages of driving an electric vehicle is its lower impact on the environment. Pure EVs have no tailpipe, and therefore do not emit any exhaust gases. This reduces local air pollution, particularly in congested cities.

Annual savings

While the environmental benefits are enough to win some drivers over, it is understandable that others will be wondering about the financial benefits.

The good news is, you can expect to save around £663 a year on running costs by driving an electric car, which equates to £3,339 saved over 5 years on fuelling the car alone.

Low maintenance

Electric cars require less maintenance than their petrol or diesel equivalents. This is because the engines in non-electric models are made from hundreds of moving parts, increasing the likelihood of something going wrong. In contrast to this, the components of a battery are much simpler.

EV batteries also have long warranties – typically eight years – which tends to be more than the warranty for the car itself.

Do electric vehicles pay road tax?

If an electric car is pure battery (in other words, you need to charge it to drive it), then you do not have to pay road tax. Drivers of these cars are also exempt from paying the London congestion charge (£15 a day) or the Ultra-Low Emission zone.

Road tax is massively responsible for CO2 emissions, so driving an energy efficient car will allow you to save hundreds per year on road tax.

Government grants to lower purchase prices

In an effort to encourage drivers to choose low-emission cars, the government is now offering grants that can effectively reduce the purchase price of a new electric car. The car dealer will reduce the price by the amount of the grant, so the driver will not need to take any extra steps to secure the grant money – just simply pay less for their new car.

Which cars are eligible for the government grant?

Electric vehicles must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the government grant, which is 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £1,500:

• Zero tailpipe CO2 emissions
• It can travel at least 70 miles between charges without any emissions at all
• The cost is under £32,000 (referring to the recommended retail price including VAT and delivery fees)

In summary, you can certainly save money on motoring if you switch to an EV. These cars are cheaper to ‘fuel’, tax, and insure due to their low environmental impact and reliability. Despite the initial costs, electric vehicles have proven themselves to be a smart investment and an eco-friendly way of paying less for keeping your car running.

For more information, please contact us.

There are few better feelings than the freedom of driving on the open road. Sometimes, made even better when you are not quite sure where you are going! The scenery is beautiful and the road is clear, for once. There are only a few things that could spoil it. Your car is reliable and never lets you down, so it’s not going to be a breakdown.

The sound of your motor and the feel of the wheel is sublime as you twist and turn along B roads. The last thing you want to think about is whether you are fully covered or have that horrible feeling of being ripped off, so here are a few things that are good to know.

The right level of cover

Most people are familiar with the differing levels of cover defined as fully comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party. Not so well known is the fact that third-party car insurance is not necessarily cheaper than comprehensive cover.

Shop around

Today with so much consumer choice shopping around has never been easier. However, there is still room for negotiation.

Haggle!

If you are not planning on sticking with your current car insurance provider and you get a better quote elsewhere, ask them the question - Is that your best price? You might be surprised by what they could do for you!

Don’t pay monthly

Paying monthly is very convenient if you don’t have the funds to pay in a lump sum. Remember you are effectively borrowing the money at quite a high interest rate, if you pay monthly, so it will cost you more in the long run.

Get a black box fitted

A black box measures your mileage, speed, acceleration, braking and cornering as well as the times and roads you drive on. If you are a careful and cautious driver this may lead to a more competitively priced premium.

Increase your voluntary excess

As a general rule the higher the voluntary excess you pay the less your premium, a word of warning, be realistic if you do have an accident you will have to pay it so don’t make it too high!

Try and reduce your mileage

The less mileage you drive the less your premium will be. Always be as accurate as possible and if you think you are going to exceed your annual mileage inform your insurance provider immediately.

Car security

Most cars are now fitted with alarms as standard but fitting an immobilizer could reduce your premium as will off-street parking compared with street parking.

No-claims bonus

The more years you get under your belt without making a claim the cheaper your premium. If you are in a non-fault accident you still must inform your insurance provider and your premium may increase.

Protect your no-claims bonus

Some insurance companies give you the option of paying a bit extra to protect your no-claims bonus, so if you do claim your no-claims bonus will not be lost, in part or completely.

The right car

If you are just starting to drive and you want to save on car insurance buy a car that is cheaper to insure. Cars in insurance groups are cheaper the lower the number. Ranging from 1-50, if you are lucky enough and have the budget you may look at cars closer to fifty!

Need some advice on finding the right car insurance premium? Call for a quote.

Cyber risks are one of the biggest concerns for all businesses today. Cyber security does not just deal with internet-based threats such as network security and Internet of Things security (IoT), but also critical infrastructure, cloud security and application security.

Simply put, cyber security aims to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber-attacks and aims to stop sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.

Cyber insurance is a specialist form of insurance which aims to cover cyber-based data breaches. It’s been around since the mid-nineties in a basic form. Compared with other types of insurance it’s relatively new. Don’t be fooled by its recent arrival to the party! Businesses without it run the risk of being destroyed. Cyber-attacks are becoming more commonplace and operating in today’s business world without insurance is a huge risk.

There are three levels of cyber-insurance protection

Third-party

This covers the cost of compensating the third party who suffers data breaches or cyber-attacks due to the insured being at fault. While it’s not liability insurance, it’s similar to traditional liability insurance for businesses, in the sense that your client is protected if your business is at fault.

First party

Essentially this type of policy covers businesses directly and all insured parties for costs caused by cyber-attacks. It’s a bit like fully comprehensive car insurance compared with third party, as your business is covered not just the third party.

Silent

Ironically this type of insurance is not cyber insurance, rather it covers losses which come about as a result of cyber-attacks that are covered by traditional buildings or liability insurance. For example, if your business’s computer system was fitted with malware, which causes a blackout and one of your employees slips and is injured. Then your employee liability insurance, if it did not exclude incidents stemming from cyber-attacks, would pay compensation.

Cyber insurance should cover the following

Data breaches

This covers your business for any expenses arising due to data breaches such as compensating victims for administrative costs associated with communicating with those affected.

Regulatory civil action

This covers regulatory bodies issuing fines due to breaches concerning GDPR – General Data Protection Act.

Extortion

Cyber extortion is sadly becoming more prevalent, especially with unaware employees. The culprits often use phishing attacks – clicking on a link that contains malware, with the result of data being stolen from the insured, with the illegal party then attempting to sell this data back to the policyholder.

Virus liability

If your clients get a virus from your systems and need to be compensated, then your business is covered. This can happen despite anti-virus software and needless to say the damage caused by viruses can be colossal and lead to the loss of millions in revenue and huge legal expenses.

Loss of income

If your computer system suffers a meltdown or your website goes haywire and losses are incurred as long as you can provide proof of the loss of income, then your business will be compensated.

Loss of data

This covers the cost of replacing any lost data due to data breaches, sabotage or viruses as well as many other scenarios. Always check what you are covered for with your insurance provider.

Errors and omissions

Traditionally a form of professional liability insurance protects companies and their employees, primarily in the event of your company misinforming a client. As an example, if you provided a client with incorrect financial advice and they seek compensation then you are covered. In the context of cyber security if this misinformation is due to your software, then your business is covered.

It’s a no brainer

The risks of operating without cyber insurance are almost incalculable. Technology is ubiquitous no matter which industry your business operates. Are you prepared to risk it all?

Need a competitive quote and want to talk to someone who can get you the right cyber insurance policy? Contact us.

Life insurance gives you peace of mind and reassurance that if the worst should happen your loved ones and potentially the home you worked so hard for are financially secure.

Supporting your family is your top priority, life insurance prevents your family from potentially enduring extreme hardship when you are not there to provide for them.

There are many misconceptions about life insurance. The key to getting to grips with life insurance is understanding that everybody is different. Your individual requirements and circumstances will shape your policy and premium.

Life insurance is costly

Life insurance is not expensive, the cost of your policy will depend on your age, the term of the policy and your health.

You don’t need it!

Many young, single people are of the opinion that they do not need life insurance. You have no dependents so what’s the point? If the worst did happen, wouldn’t it be nice to leave something to your niece, sister or parents?

You already have it

Perhaps you get life insurance at work as a perk. However, it is important to check that the payout is sufficient to take care of your beneficiaries adequately. Perhaps you have a mortgage, and you want to be able to pay it off and have funds left over to ease financial pressure on your family if you are not there.

You will need annual check-ups

It’s not true that you need annual health check-ups. In most cases, you will not need a full medical examination before taking out a life insurance policy. You will be asked to provide information about alcohol consumption, whether you smoke or not, your height, weight or anything else in your lifestyle choices that could affect your health, for example; Do you have any dangerous hobbies?

You need Life insurance to get a mortgage

While it’s true that some mortgage providers require you to take out life insurance, generally it’s not required. If you are obliged to take out a life insurance policy as part of your mortgage deal - Is it really such a bad idea? Your family will reap the benefits, while your mortgage provider has peace of mind that your mortgage will be paid.

You will get taxed on payouts

Life insurance payouts are tax-free, so your family will not endure income and capital gains tax if your insurance provider makes a payout. However, payouts can be added to the total value of your estate and could be subject to inheritance tax.

Life insurance won't cover COVID-19

It’s essential that you check the terms and conditions of your policy. Some insurance providers may differ. Generally, it’s worth remembering, that if you or a loved one makes a claim on your life insurance policy, you are subject to the terms and conditions of your policy and should receive a payout in the event of COVID-19.

You can't get a policy with pre-existing conditions

It’s not true that you can’t take out a life insurance policy if you have pre-existing medical conditions. It will increase the cost as it increases the chances of you making a claim. Unfortunately, certain insurance providers may refuse to offer cover, although it’s worth remembering that there are specialist life insurance providers who will cover you.

In conclusion

Life insurance is important when it comes to providing for the people closest to you. Just remember the golden rules. Check your terms and conditions thoroughly and always be honest and disclose any information that could affect your premium. Otherwise, you could invalidate your policy and your loved ones will suffer the consequences.

Do you want to enjoy that comforting feeling of knowing you can always take care of your loved ones? Get a quote.

Travelling is one of the greatest investments of your life. Whether you are backpacking across multiple countries and enjoying the sensory overload of so many diverse and vibrant cultures. Or, if you are simply having a week in the sun to rest up and give yourself that all-important, well-earned, break on the beach.

A good travel insurance policy is well worth paying the relatively low cost to keep anxiety or worry to a minimum, and fun, relaxation and enjoyment to the maximum. You don’t want to have any concerns niggling at the back of your mind. You want to devote your entire holiday to becoming a stress-free, collage of happy memories.

Types of cover

There are many types of cover depending on your requirements. For the most part, the clue is in the title of each! Annual/multi-trip cover, single-trip cover, winter sports and backpacker travel insurance to name a few. Your premium will depend on your age and any pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance providers also categorise cover types according to your destination, for example, European or worldwide.

Couple, family and group cover

If you are travelling as part of a group, with family or as a couple, you are most likely to get a cheaper deal if you take out the relevant group policy instead of insuring individuals separately.

You should get what you pay for!

Don’t just go for the cheapest quote you find. When you look more closely at the small print you may find some nasty surprises. It’s also worth pointing out that you may have travel insurance coverage as part of your home insurance policy. Again, check the details, it may only cover certain destinations or have other limitations.

Look out for exclusions and exemptions

These can be quite common, so it’s important to find the right policy with the right insurance provider and check out any pitfalls. Exemptions can be based on age limits, alcohol consumption, driving and reckless behaviour.

Cancellations

Remember your travel insurance will cover you against cancellations. Always check your terms. It’s comforting to know you will not have to pay twice, or lose out on a trip of a lifetime, due to unexpected events which force you to cancel.

GHIC card

A Global Health Insurance Card is no substitute for travel insurance, although it’s free and may entitle you to reduced or free medical care in the EU. It’s important to know that it will not cover you for medical treatment.

Shop around

Travel insurance providers vary in what they can offer you and what they cover. It’s wise to spend a bit of time shopping around to get what you need at the right price.

Finally

Don’t forget your passport, with the right travel insurance cover, all you have to do is have a great time!

Going somewhere nice and need the right level of travel insurance for you and your family? Browse our website.