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Deacon Manager - Issue 18
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Just
as we said: business as usual
I am pleased to confirm the recent announcement that Deacon and our
sister brands have completed the sale of our businesses to a new investment
company, Caley Limited, wholly owned by leading banks HBOS, HSBC and
Lloyds TSB. The transaction which was announced on 14 April 2008 was
subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions all of which
have been satisfied.
This is good news for all of us, especially our customers and our
staff as this brings back Deacon’s independence and puts an end to
the speculation of a future sale. It means that we can trade into
the future, free from all of the noise surrounding our former parent
company, Erinaceous Group, and the knock-on effects this has had. |
|
I
would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their
continued support and would invite them to contact us with any questions
on 08000 929394.
Penny Jepson
Head of Business |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Win
a case of wine every month
Mention the Deacon dog and, for every quote we issue,
we’ll enter
your name in our monthly draw for a case of wine delivered to your door.
Share
it with your colleagues, or enjoy it at home – you’ll have given your
customers good insurance advice so you’ll have earned it.
|
| |
|
|
Return to menu |
|
Still
the service leaders for blocks of flats
| Deacon
continues to lead the way in insurance for UK flats by maintaining
unbeatable levels of service. As specialists we are able to cover
both your standard and non standard risks and our delegated authority
means we are there to support you through the whole claims process
(after all, that’s what you buy insurance for in the first place,
isn’t it?)
No one puts more effort into understanding
managing agents’ business and providing insurance that adds value
to the service you sell to your customers.
|
| • |
Delegated
Authority – enabling us to deal with claims promptly |
| • |
Truly
comprehensive policies – terms and conditions in plain English
and no catches |
| • |
Special
rates and consolidated reports on multiple risks and complete
portfolios |
| • |
Easy
administration – we do it all |
| • |
Trusted
and proven partnership for authorised firms |
| • |
No
cost opportunity to join the UK’s largest network of
appointed representatives and benefit from the expertise of
our strong compliance team |
| • |
Real
commitment to the managing agents’ channel. We will never undercut
you if approached by your customers directly |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Keeping
it simple with renewal dates
| There’s
no need to wait for your buildings cover renewal to add auxiliary
policies like our directors’
& officers’ liability insurance or emergency
assist. We can ensure that all the renewal dates are brought together
in future years. |
Just
let us know that you want us to make this arrangement for you.
We are also happy to bring renewals for portfolios of properties together
if required. |
|
Return
to menu |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
NEW
Legal Expenses policy that will provide peace of mind
| • |
Covers
disputes – with neighbouring properties |
| • |
Covers
legal action against Property Maintenance Companies |
| • |
Free
Legal Helpline 24/7 |
| • |
For
as little as £2 per flat |
We have now negotiated a new comprehensive and competitively-priced legal
expenses policy from ARAG. The new policy, which costs as little as £2 per
flat, provides peace of mind covering: |
| |
| • |
Property
disputes – e.g. nuisance and trespass issues such as a neighbour who
continually parks in a RMC space |
| • |
Contract
disputes – e.g. substandard repairs/alterations that are made by a
builder. This could cover painting, electrical work, roof repairs
etc. A suitably qualified solicitor will be appointed to run the claim
and seek remedy/compensation |
| • |
Tax
– to protect the RMC against formal aspect or full enquiries by HM
Revenue and Customs |
| • |
Instant
legal assistance – access is provided to a 24/7 legal and tax advice
helpline |
| • |
Access
to a website that helps generate numerous legal documents |
For more information please call the New Business
Sales Team on 08000 92 93 94
Return
to menu |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Leasehold
reform watch
It’s been delightfully quiet on the legislative front since
last October’s introduction of the Section 153 requirements. This gives
a summary of leaseholders' rights and obligations to accompany all demands
for payment of a service charge.
Section 152 (requirement for annual statements of account and designated
client accounts) has been subject to further consultation and it is now
accepted that amendments to the primary legislation are needed. A consultation
paper issued in 2007 elicited 99 responses from trade associations, leaseholder
associations and individuals and a summary of responses is available on
the Communities and Local Government website at www.communities.gov.uk.
|
|
Return to menu |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Check
the lease
| It
is for the insured party to check the lease for any specific requirements.
We are happy to investigate and advise on any queries that arise,
and pride ourselves on always finding the cover our customers need,
but it does remain your responsibility to ensure that all potential
issues are identified. Local searches may pick up on oddities, too,
as we discovered recently when we were asked to arrange Chancel insurance
as the lessees had discovered a potentially liability for repairs
to the Church. |
|
Chancel
liability dates back to medieval times, but the Government has put
a cap on them. After October 2013, unless the Church has by noted
its interest with the Inland Revenue, your clients will no longer
be at risk. Of course this could mean that there is an increased risk
of Churches investigating potential liabilities for properties within
their parishes before the deadline….so it might be worth checking
the condition of the local Church next time you are in the area! |
|
Return
to menu |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Water,
water everywhere
Water
is known as the universal solvent for good reasons! And it still remains
the main cause of insurance claims in blocks of flats. It causes utter
misery for lessees, endless work for you and, with repeated claims;
it will eventually affect future premiums.
The best way to avoid water damage is good maintenance in both common
areas and individual flats. Also important is ensuring that there
is a general awareness of the risks among lessees. |
|
Condensation
is a major culprit. The relative humidity in the home should be between
30% and 50%. Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings,
and musty smells are all signs that it is too high. Encourage people
to check areas where air does not easily circulate, such as behind
curtains, under beds, and in closets for dampness and mildew and ask
them to be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans where there are no windows
and when going on trips not to leave the flat stone cold. |
|
| |
| A few first aid hints
if there is a flood or leak: |
| • |
Lift
furniture off floor if possible to avoid wood stains affecting the
carpet |
| • |
Pin
up curtains and furniture skirts to prevent staining or wicking |
| • |
Place
plastic or tin foil over or under furniture feet to prevent absorption
of water resulting in cracking and swelling |
| • |
Pull
back carpet to identify and possible stem further seepage |
 |
The
fittings on the ends of hot and cold feed pipes for washing and machines
and dishwashers are slightly different – you really do have to use
the right colour to avoid insidious slow leaks! |
|
| |
|
| |
Parking
nightmares!
Yes, it’s still up there at the top of your
list of major headaches: PARKING!
While wheel clamping is effective, it is a bit of a sledgehammer
approach and allows little margin for error. An alternative for private
landowners is a ‘Do It Yourself’ parking charge notices (CNs). Specialist
firms will provide you with notices to display on walls, permits for residents’
cars and a supply of blank PCNs. When a ticket is issued, you simply mail
it to the parking firm and they manage collection and take any further action
that is necessary, using live links with DVLA to track down vehicle owners.
The beauty of this approach is that you can ‘outsource’ the policing of
the property and issuing of notices to the residents and can cancel a ticket
by email if, say, it turns out the car was owned by someone’s mother on
a birthday visit!
Find our more form the British Parking Association at www.britishparking.co.uk. |
|
 |
| |
|
|
Return
to menu |
Deacon Manager - Issue 18
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just
as we said: business as usual
I am pleased to confirm the recent announcement that Deacon and our
sister brands have completed the sale of our businesses to a new investment
company, Caley Limited, wholly owned by leading banks HBOS, HSBC and
Lloyds TSB. The transaction which was announced on 14 April 2008 was
subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions all of which
have been satisfied.
This is good news for all of us, especially our customers and our
staff as this brings back Deacon’s independence and puts an end to
the speculation of a future sale. It means that we can trade into
the future, free from all of the noise surrounding our former parent
company, Erinaceous Group, and the knock-on effects this has had. |
|
I
would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their
continued support and would invite them to contact us with any questions
on 08000 929394.
Penny Jepson
Head of Business |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Win
a case of wine every month
Mention the Deacon dog and, for every quote we issue,
we’ll enter
your name in our monthly draw for a case of wine delivered to your door.
Share
it with your colleagues, or enjoy it at home – you’ll have given your
customers good insurance advice so you’ll have earned it.
|
| |
|
|
Return to menu |
|
Still
the service leaders for blocks of flats
| Deacon
continues to lead the way in insurance for UK flats by maintaining
unbeatable levels of service. As specialists we are able to cover
both your standard and non standard risks and our delegated authority
means we are there to support you through the whole claims process
(after all, that’s what you buy insurance for in the first place,
isn’t it?)
No one puts more effort into understanding
managing agents’ business and providing insurance that adds value
to the service you sell to your customers.
|
| • |
Delegated
Authority – enabling us to deal with claims promptly |
| • |
Truly
comprehensive policies – terms and conditions in plain English
and no catches |
| • |
Special
rates and consolidated reports on multiple risks and complete
portfolios |
| • |
Easy
administration – we do it all |
| • |
Trusted
and proven partnership for authorised firms |
| • |
No
cost opportunity to join the UK’s largest network of
appointed representatives and benefit from the expertise of
our strong compliance team |
| • |
Real
commitment to the managing agents’ channel. We will never undercut
you if approached by your customers directly |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Keeping
it simple with renewal dates
| There’s
no need to wait for your buildings cover renewal to add auxiliary
policies like our directors’
& officers’ liability insurance or emergency
assist. We can ensure that all the renewal dates are brought together
in future years. |
Just
let us know that you want us to make this arrangement for you.
We are also happy to bring renewals for portfolios of properties together
if required. |
|
Return
to menu |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
NEW
Legal Expenses policy that will provide peace of mind
| • |
Covers
disputes – with neighbouring properties |
| • |
Covers
legal action against Property Maintenance Companies |
| • |
Free
Legal Helpline 24/7 |
| • |
For
as little as £2 per flat |
We have now negotiated a new comprehensive and competitively-priced legal
expenses policy from ARAG. The new policy, which costs as little as £2 per
flat, provides peace of mind covering: |
| |
| • |
Property
disputes – e.g. nuisance and trespass issues such as a neighbour who
continually parks in a RMC space |
| • |
Contract
disputes – e.g. substandard repairs/alterations that are made by a
builder. This could cover painting, electrical work, roof repairs
etc. A suitably qualified solicitor will be appointed to run the claim
and seek remedy/compensation |
| • |
Tax
– to protect the RMC against formal aspect or full enquiries by HM
Revenue and Customs |
| • |
Instant
legal assistance – access is provided to a 24/7 legal and tax advice
helpline |
| • |
Access
to a website that helps generate numerous legal documents |
For more information please call the New Business
Sales Team on 08000 92 93 94
Return
to menu |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Leasehold
reform watch
It’s been delightfully quiet on the legislative front since
last October’s introduction of the Section 153 requirements. This gives
a summary of leaseholders' rights and obligations to accompany all demands
for payment of a service charge.
Section 152 (requirement for annual statements of account and designated
client accounts) has been subject to further consultation and it is now
accepted that amendments to the primary legislation are needed. A consultation
paper issued in 2007 elicited 99 responses from trade associations, leaseholder
associations and individuals and a summary of responses is available on
the Communities and Local Government website at www.communities.gov.uk.
|
|
Return to menu |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Check
the lease
| It
is for the insured party to check the lease for any specific requirements.
We are happy to investigate and advise on any queries that arise,
and pride ourselves on always finding the cover our customers need,
but it does remain your responsibility to ensure that all potential
issues are identified. Local searches may pick up on oddities, too,
as we discovered recently when we were asked to arrange Chancel insurance
as the lessees had discovered a potentially liability for repairs
to the Church. |
|
Chancel
liability dates back to medieval times, but the Government has put
a cap on them. After October 2013, unless the Church has by noted
its interest with the Inland Revenue, your clients will no longer
be at risk. Of course this could mean that there is an increased risk
of Churches investigating potential liabilities for properties within
their parishes before the deadline….so it might be worth checking
the condition of the local Church next time you are in the area! |
|
Return
to menu |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Water,
water everywhere
Water
is known as the universal solvent for good reasons! And it still remains
the main cause of insurance claims in blocks of flats. It causes utter
misery for lessees, endless work for you and, with repeated claims;
it will eventually affect future premiums.
The best way to avoid water damage is good maintenance in both common
areas and individual flats. Also important is ensuring that there
is a general awareness of the risks among lessees. |
|
Condensation
is a major culprit. The relative humidity in the home should be between
30% and 50%. Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings,
and musty smells are all signs that it is too high. Encourage people
to check areas where air does not easily circulate, such as behind
curtains, under beds, and in closets for dampness and mildew and ask
them to be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans where there are no windows
and when going on trips not to leave the flat stone cold. |
|
| |
| A few first aid hints
if there is a flood or leak: |
| • |
Lift
furniture off floor if possible to avoid wood stains affecting the
carpet |
| • |
Pin
up curtains and furniture skirts to prevent staining or wicking |
| • |
Place
plastic or tin foil over or under furniture feet to prevent absorption
of water resulting in cracking and swelling |
| • |
Pull
back carpet to identify and possible stem further seepage |
|
The
fittings on the ends of hot and cold feed pipes for washing and machines
and dishwashers are slightly different – you really do have to use
the right colour to avoid insidious slow leaks! |
|
| |
|
| |
Parking
nightmares!
Yes, it’s still up there at the top of your
list of major headaches: PARKING!
While wheel clamping is effective, it is a bit of a sledgehammer
approach and allows little margin for error. An alternative for private
landowners is a ‘Do It Yourself’ parking charge notices (CNs). Specialist
firms will provide you with notices to display on walls, permits for residents’
cars and a supply of blank PCNs. When a ticket is issued, you simply mail
it to the parking firm and they manage collection and take any further action
that is necessary, using live links with DVLA to track down vehicle owners.
The beauty of this approach is that you can ‘outsource’ the policing of
the property and issuing of notices to the residents and can cancel a ticket
by email if, say, it turns out the car was owned by someone’s mother on
a birthday visit!
Find our more form the British Parking Association at www.britishparking.co.uk. |
|
|
| |
|
|
Return
to menu |
|
|