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Support for Ukraine – Insurance update

Like us, we know our clients want to help and support the people of Ukraine. The insurers we work with are doing the same, allowing flexibility within their policies to avoid unnecessary barriers that may stop or delay help reaching the innocent victims of this unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Support for Ukraine

17 March 2022

Like us, we know our clients want to help and support the people of Ukraine. The insurers we work with are doing the same, allowing flexibility within their policies to avoid unnecessary barriers that may stop or delay help reaching the innocent victims of this unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Every insurer and policy type are different so you will need to check with your broker or specific insurer to see how this may impact you – and ensure you’re still properly covered.

Home Insurance

Now the government has announced the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme to welcome those fleeing the conflict to the UK; some of our private clients and property owners will be temporarily welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes as guests. Insurers want to support this generosity and in many cases they don’t need to be notified but you must check. Contact your broker or access the information available on the insurer website or their helplines.

Family – There has been much confusion over ‘family members’ in relation to Visa restrictions, but this term is also relevant to your policy. ‘Family’ is normally defined as those permanently living with the policyholder (and isn’t a lodger or paying guest). Many insurers are temporarily extending definition and will interpret Ukrainian refugees (either related or sponsored) as ‘Family members’ within the policy.

Sums Insured – Please ensure that the sum insured on your policy is adequate for the inclusion of your guests’ contents, including any individual high value items. They may only have been able to bring their most valuable and most precious items with them, so you certainly want to make sure they’re protected.

Other Property Types – Cover availability may change if it’s a second home, guest home or rental property so you MUST contact your broker or your insurer!

Private & Commercial Motor Insurance

Personal – If you are planning to use your private motor vehicle to transport goods around the UK to provide humanitarian aid, most insurers will support this. Many don’t need to be notified of this change in use, but some will, so please check your policy for any volunteering exclusions and give the insurer a call to clarify. The same is true if you are planning to deliver this humanitarian aid within Europe, even if this is within any standard ‘Free Circulation without Green Card’ cover you may have with your policy.

Commercial – Many insurers are extending their comprehensive insurance for businesses who wish to use their commercial vehicles for cross border journeys within the ‘Free Circulation without Green Card’ zone but you will need to check with your specific insurer.

Outside EEA – Whether it’s personal or commercial, please ensure you contact your insurer if you plan to drive outside of the European Economic Area to transport goods to provide humanitarian aid.

We’re here to help!

Please call or email us if there’s anything you are unsure about or if you need to adjust your policy. We are here to help you in your support of the people of Ukraine.

 

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