The Association of British Insurers has a national campaign to help protect Britain's low-income households cope with a financial shock, such as a burglary or a flood. A third - just over 1.5 million - of the 4.8 million people in social housing do not have contents insurance.
This is despite the fact that:
· People in social housing are twice as likely to be burgled as those who own their home.
· Arson attacks are 30 times higher in lower income communities.
· Low-income families are eight times more likely to be living in areas at higher risk of flooding.
The ABI is urging more local authorities and housing associations to offer tenants’ contents insurance schemes. These provide low-cost insurance protection – sometimes for less than £1 a week – against losses from risks such as burglary, fire, flooding and accidental damage. To spread the cost, premiums are usually paid at the same time as rent. The ABI has produced a useful guide for Housing Officers to help promote Home Contents Insurance to their tenants.
More information is available at:
Helping Tenants Protect their Possessions