One of the UK’s leading insurers, the Direct Line, launched a new insurance product developed for people who run a business from home. The Cover includes product and public liability plus several add-on options, such as cover for theft or accidental damage to items such as laptops or mobile phones. There is a free 24 hour advice line offering emergency assistance and legal advice. Via umbrella brand ‘Direct Line for Business’, the home business insurance policy is available which is an addition to the suite of products launched last autumn. The Other products being launched this spring include insurance for small offices, hotels and pubs.

The homeowners are being warned that they need to have sufficient home insurance cover in place ahead of the notorious April showers. Nationwide is urging homeowners to be prepared for any further storms due to recent spate of bad weather experienced across much of the UK. As bad weather hit people, they have been told to carry out minor repair works as soon as possible, as these could develop into major problems. Nationwide advises that essentials are moved upstairs if possible, electricity and gas remains unused and nothing is thrown away until a loss adjustor has visited, if a property is damaged by the weather.

Insurance Bureau of Canada is reminding Ontario’s homeowners to protect their belongings against overland flooding because of lots of snow on and around homes, and the spring melt on the horizon. According to Bonnie Lysyk,Vice-President, Ontario, IBC, most people can’t wait to hang up the snow shovel, But before they do, homeowners should take the time to make sure the spring thaw won’t put their properties in danger. The IBC offer some tips: Pick up that shovel one last time and get snow away from the house, especially basement windows to minimize the risk of flooding, check your property for obstructions that could prevent melting snow from draining away from the house properly, and clear a path for the water.