The average cost of car insurance has hit an all time high as premiums rose to almost £1000 in the last quarter of 2023. Insurers have been reacting to claims inflation in 2022 with rising costs of car parts, labour and second-hand cars, as they attempt to stem the flow of losses and protect share prices. Some motorists are seeing increases of over 90%, with drivers in London now paying the most expensive premiums, young drivers have also been hit hard. All this means more misery for households reliant on a motor vehicle and another blow to add to the existing cost of living crises. There are ..read more

Most home insurance policies will provide additional cover over the festive period, taking into account increased levels of contents and personal possessions cover. Our advice is to make sure appropriate cover is in-force in the unfortunate event that you do become a victim of crime or any adverse weather. Increased Christmas cover Unfortunately, Christmas is a busy time for burglars, according to UK Crime Stats there is a 40% rise in attempted theft during the festive season. Most home insurance provider’s increase their contents cover over the festive period, however some do not add this cov ..read more

More and more businesses are getting in contact regarding Cyber liability insurance, there is a great deal of interest about this particular risk, however there is also a great deal of misconception regarding the cover available. Senior managers in three-quarters (73%) of micro/small businesses say that cyber security is a high priority, with over two-fifths (45%) of all micro/small businesses having identified a cyber security breach or attack in the last year. Of the micro/small businesses that consider it a low priority, over a third (35%) have nonetheless identified a breach. As an indepen ..read more

Following a recent local event, in this instance a major fire, we have seen a dramatic increase in SME businesses enquiring about the availability and review of “business interruption” insurance. Most of these enquiries came from businesses not currently insured by us, or at all, in some instances and the common theme was a lack of understanding and cover for business interruption. The policy provides cover for business interruption following damage to property, at the premises, for the purpose of the business. Damage is the trigger, and an insured event must be the cause of the damage. Damage ..read more

Why do I need a valuation? The best way to protect your jewellery in the event of loss or damage is to insure it – and this requires a valuation. To make sure you receive the correct sum in the event of a claim, you need a professional valuer to examine your jewellery and to produce a formal document giving a precise description of each piece and confirming how their value has been determined. It is essential that you discuss with your valuer how you would replace your items if they were to be lost as this is fundamental to the type of valuation produced. Why do my insurers need a valuation? I ..read more

It was serendipity when two East Herts family-businesses met on multiple occasions at a number of local business networking events, including those run by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. They have embraced the chamber’s ‘Keep the Heart in Herts Campaign’ in 2023 by working with one another and securing a commercial relationship. ‘Keep the Heart in Herts’ campaign was launched by Herts Chamber at the beginning of 2021 to help strengthen the local economy, showcase skills of the Hertfordshire workforce and highlight business opportunities for Herts based businesses. Ashbourne Insurance of ..read more

During lockdown with people working from home and non-essential shops shut down burglary and shop-lifting claims fell sharply and even after the lifting of lockdown restrictions, claims remained at very low levels. There is a suspicion that this is contributed to by a lack of reporting, especially amongst lower value incidents within SMEs, however the trend remains downward. I approached many different insurers for some statistical data regarding the nature of property theft, they could only provide nationwide data, however if I then compare this with claim data from our own client base, the r ..read more

The insurance industry has not escaped the consequences of the current economic climate and there are a number of issues effecting service that we are seeing on a day-to-day basis. I’ve listed some of our recent experiences, both for our business and our customers, clearly these are challenging times for us all. Body-shop repairs following motor accidents are subject to long delays, mostly weeks, but in some instances we are seeing months and no insurer seems to be immune. The lack of available parts, not just in the UK both to the whole of Europe seems to be the main reason and as a consequen ..read more

The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards (IHA), known locally as ‘the Oscars of Herts’ launched at Hatfield House at an evening reception and presentation on Thursday 27th January 2022. Over 100 guests, together with Herts Chamber CEO, Briege Leahy and Ashbourne co-directors Peter and Sarah Smits met with sponsors, past year winners and business representatives who attended to learn about the benefits of entering business awards. Businesses, charitable organisations, entrepreneurs and other organisations can now enter the IHA awards and the deadline is 11th March 2022. The awards are free to enter f ..read more

If the residents and businesses of Hertfordshire are in need of any last minute 2021 Christmas presents for friends, neighbours and colleagues then look no further than the “Best of British Roundabouts 2022 Calendar”. The first page of the calendar, January 2022, features the roundabout in East Herts sponsored by independent, insurance broker Ashbourne Insurance.  The roundabout is described in the calendar as “This fine verdant-looking roundabout sponsored by Ashbourne Insurance is located on the A414 in Hertford, East Hertfordshire. It is signposted in three possible directions towards ..read more