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Property owners are increasingly looking to take out insurance coverage to protect against the risk of squatters occupying their properties, according to Aviva.

The internet is being exploited by squatters to provide information regarding vacant properties and their legal rights.

In response to the rising problem the Home Office has released guidance for concerned property owners.

During the last two years demand for legal expenses cover for property-related disputes has trebled, with a third of such claims relating to the eviction of unauthorised occupants.

Aviva Underwriting Manager Matt Gordon has stated that broker feedback indicates a substantial lack of knowledge amongst property owners when it comes to the legal status of squatters and their removal, in stark contrast to the squatters themselves.

Property owners must apply for an interim possession order (IPO) within 28 days of learning of the squatters’ presence, and after the IPO is granted the squatters must leave within 24 hours, or commit a criminal offence for which they may be arrested.

Taking out a life insurance policy is one of the best ways you can protect your family and your estate in the event of your death, but you should be aware of the various types of life insurance available to make sure you’re getting the best cover. To enjoy the greatest financial security from your life cover, you may favour a level life insurance policy, as these can guarantee fixed premiums until you reach 65. Because life insurance is a long-term protection strategy, this security can be highly beneficial to safeguard your payments against the ever-changing economy, ensuring you won’t face steeper premiums in times of financial hardship.

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In recent years, Americans have received tax breaks for eco-friendly home improvements, helping consumers save money on new windows, doors and solar panels.

This week, an insurer in Oregon announced a new policy that may make environmentally conscious consumers want to compare home insurance coverage options carefully.

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is now offering ‘green’ insurance policies to those whose homes have been certified by Earth Advantage, a Portland, Oregon, non-profit.

This expanded coverage guarantees that if a home experiences damage or is completely destroyed, it will be rebuilt to environmental standards, complete with Energy Star appliances and non-toxic, low-odor paints and carpeting.

“We believe this is a trend-setting insurance solution for homeowners who are interested in the many benefits of ‘going green’ at home,” said Donald Soss, vice president of Fireman’s Fund’s Personal Insurance Department.

Consumers who have already updated their homes to green standards could be able to save up to five percent off their insurance policies by switching to the company’s coverage.

As the mercury plunges the number of claims regarding burst and frozen pipes has rocketed, Lloyds TSB Insurance has stated.

The insurer has seen such claims increase sevenfold, with 5% of home insurance claims relating to burst/frozen pipes, and is urging homeowners to take steps to reduce the risk of suffering such problems.

Burst pipes can cause serious, extensive and expensive damage to homes, damaging structures and electrical wiring.

The risk is unlikely to diminish in the near future with the Met Office issuing a series of severe weather warnings throughout the country, particularly in Scotland and North-east England.

Lloyds TSB Insurance’s Tim Downes has stated that the average cost of repairing a burst pipe is £2,000, a hefty sum which is well worth taking precautionary measures to avoid.

The insurer advocates insulating lofts, pipes and water tanks, and leaving the heating on low to prevent freezing.

Homeowners should also know where their water stop tap is, and how to turn off the mains supply if necessary.

Home insurance is not the only type adversely affected by the winter weather, with AA Insurance reporting a spike in car insurance claims of 23%.

The World Wide Web has changed our lives so much easier in many ways. We can now be ordered from the comfort of our homes, our bills online and keep in touch with friends and family online. Another major advantage of the Internet is provided that we can apply for online payday loans from our computers at home. Online payday loans or short term loans were initially only ‘bricks and mortar “banks, leading us to a bank, you can contact a lender and discuss the reasons for the loan was necessary provided it is needed. Now we are in the state for online payday loans from home to use at any time of day or night, seven days a week. The

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Home and contents insurer Hiscox is advising home owners to be on the look out for burst pipes.

When the snow and ice begin to thaw leaks caused by burst pipes may become more noticeable, as water leaks into the property.

Hiscox home insurance expert Austyn Tusler explained that the unusually early onset of freezing conditions may have caught homeowners off-guard, and warned that there was still a long winter ahead of the UK.

If left, a leak can cause damage to a home’s structure, electrical wiring and belongings and catching them early saves not just money but also reduces the damage incurred.

Leaks can be identified by damp spots on ceilings and walls and if a tap is turned on and no water comes out (in which case the water supply should be turned off and a plumber called immediately).

Homeowners should also check exposed pipes and isolated areas such as lofts.

Earlier this week the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warned that frozen and burst pipes could cost as much as £650m, and urged homeowners to either keep their heating on or (if they are away for a porlonged period) draining the cold water system.

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