Insurance help for Lewes tenants

LEWES District Council has agreed in principle to the early introduction of a low cost tenants contents insurance scheme, making affordable insurance available to all council tenants and lease-holders, regardless of the postcode area in which they live.

This will help many people, particularly those in circumstances where mainstream contents insurers are unwilling to offer cover, or cover at affordable premiums.

The minimum sum insured can be as little as 9,000 (6,000 for the over 60s), and the maximum is 30,000.

Full flood cover for contents is given without restrictions. There are no excesses to pay. Some accidental damage cover is given for TVs and electrical items.

The council is not involved in collecting or accounting for premiums or the paying or processing of claims.

Said Cllr Rod Wilson, member for housing: It has been reported that 80 per cent of tenants nationally have no home contents insurance.

Half these people would like a policy but are deterred by cost and access to the market.

The council is keen to reverse this trend.

It is intended to have the scheme in place by October.