People without home insurance. Irresponsible? - General Discussion

SparkleBabe · 07-07-2007, 15:51

I was reading in the paper today about people affected by the flood who have lost everything and who's homes are so badly damaged they will be unable to move back in for up to a year. Although I feel sorry for them, when they come out with comments like 'We didn't have insurance' I cannot help but think that they are silly and irresponisble.

Why should the tax payer fork out because they didn't take out home insurance? I mean even University students living in halls are encoraged to take out insurance on their personal belongings in case of a break in or a fire.

You see them in the paper all the time, house has been burnt to the ground and they are moaning about how they have lost everything and they 'didn't have insurance' because they 'couldn't afford it'. Yet they have a digital satellite dish stuck on the side of the house

I do feel a huge ammount of sympathy with these people who have lost everything. But had they had insurance they would not have been in such dire straights now.

Spot · 07-07-2007, 15:56

Indeed, and I think it's important that any help they might get from relief funds is seen to be much less than what they could have claimed under a valid insurance policy. Otherwise it sends out completely the wrong message both to those who did have insurance, and to taxpayers in general.

Y Me · 07-07-2007, 15:58

No they are not irresponsible just the possessors of wet belongings.

California Girl · 07-07-2007, 15:59

Household insurance is not even expensive! I just don't get the mentality of these people.

SparkleBabe · 07-07-2007, 15:59

I find the attitude of some them to be quite shocking. They seem to feel that they should have a god given right to government aid. Yes its awful, but its your own stupid fault you didn't insure your home and its contents.

Sloopy · 07-07-2007, 16:00

It's madness not to have the appropriate insurance in the event of a disaster such as this.

I'm sure they're regretting it now, but they do have to take responsibility for such complacency.

Obviously they deserve some help and assistance as we all know what destruction the floods have caused, but insurance should be an essential, not an afterthought.

SparkleBabe · 07-07-2007, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by California Girl

Household insurance is not even expensive! I just don't get the mentality of these people.

No its not, one newspaper even said that it can cost as little as £1.50 per week or something similar. These people would be in just as much of a mess had their house been ransacked or burnt down.

That Bloke · 07-07-2007, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by California Girl

Household insurance is not even expensive!

It is if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Tumble weed · 07-07-2007, 16:04

There are two sides to this though - if you have the money and don't give a shit about your stuff you can get away without having insurance.
In any case I didn't think insurances cover 'Acts of God' or has this changed now?

I don't really care either way tbh - it's their business lol, I do have insurance though

Infact my uni accomodation included it in the rent £90pw!

Spot · 07-07-2007, 16:05

It's been encouraging to hear people say on radio and TV that those affected will either have to remortgage their homes to raise the money they need (thus meaning they will pay heavily for their mistake in the long run) or if that's not an option, there was a man on Moneybox today saying they will have to go to charity shops. Good, it's their own fault.

cosham · 07-07-2007, 16:07

We are council tenents our contents insurance is £11 a month,but to tell the truth i think it's one of those things some people just do not think of.

stumblebum · 07-07-2007, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Bloke

It is if you live in an area prone to flooding.

This area isn't though is it?
I agree it is irresponsible but it is a risk that many people are prepared to take - I don't see however, why everyone else should pay to replace the 52" plasma screen TV that they could afford to buy, but not insure

This is very common place these days, but as others have pointed out, is not really that expensive.
I dealt with a fire a couple of months ago, when some bored 7 year old playing with his mums lighter in a shed ended up burning down 4 houses - not one of them had house contents insurance

Weeping Dreams · 07-07-2007, 16:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spot

It's been encouraging to hear people say on radio and TV that those affected will either have to remortgage their homes to raise the money they need (thus meaning they will pay heavily for their mistake in the long run) or if that's not an option, there was a man on Moneybox today saying they will have to go to charity shops. Good, it's their own fault.

I think your happiness at others mis-fortune is slightly alarming.

sinkingradio · 07-07-2007, 16:08

[quote=SparkleBabe;16053782]I find the attitude of some them to be quite shocking. They seem to feel that they should have a god given right to government aid. Yes its awful, but its your own stupid fault you didn't insure your home and its contents.[/QUOTE]

That appears to be a very sweeping statement. Its easy to judge people when you don't know their full backgrounds. Perhaps home insurance is expensive in possible flood areas. Plus Don't forget this was an event that weather forecasters state would happen once in a life time in terms of the extreme nature. These people couldn't predict such extreme weather.

I find it frustrating that some people spout out these judgemental views on others when we do not know all the facts. Some of these people have lost everything, give them a break.

stumblebum · 07-07-2007, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumble weed

There are two sides to this though - if you have the money and don't give a shit about your stuff you can get away without having insurance.
In any case I didn't think insurances cover 'Acts of God' or has this changed now?
I don't really care either way tbh - it's their business lol, I do have insurance though

Infact my uni accomodation included it in the rent £90pw!

It does - my house was struck by lightning taking the roof off and blowing up all the electrical stuff a couple of years ago and I was covered

Spot · 07-07-2007, 16:13

[quote=sinkingradio;16054030]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SparkleBabe

I find the attitude of some them to be quite shocking. They seem to feel that they should have a god given right to government aid. Yes its awful, but its your own stupid fault you didn't insure your home and its contents.[/QUOTE]

That appears to be a very sweeping statement. Its easy to judge people when you don't know their full backgrounds. Perhaps home insurance is expensive in possible flood areas. Plus Don't forget this was an event that weather forecasters state would happen once in a life time in terms of the extreme nature. These people couldn't predict such extreme weather.

I find it frustrating that some people spout out these judgemental views on others when we do not know all the facts. Some of these people have lost everything, give them a break.

The whole idea of insurance is to protect against unpredictable events - that's why you take it out!!!

California Girl · 07-07-2007, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Bloke

It is if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Indeed it is - so if you can't afford the insurance, don't live there!

habby · 07-07-2007, 16:41

im paying a lot for building & contents insurance for where im currently living.

Im moving in 10 days time & part of the conditions of the mortgage was that I had to prove I had building/contents insurance in place for my new address. AND Ive already had to pay out £70 1st payment against insurance for a house I havent even moved into yet!!!

How can these people moan about whats been ruined then say so brazenly they havent got insurance?

maybe · 07-07-2007, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Bloke

It is if you live in an area prone to flooding.

It is sometimes actually unavailable in areas thought to be at risk from flooding. That is the case in some parts of Hull.

My flat was perfectly insurable when I bought it 16 years ago. About 10 years ago it gradually became uninsurable, even though the building has never, ever flooded, and I live on the first floor.

It is because of increasingly jumpy risk predictions regarding global warming/rising sea levels, not the kind of rain we had last week.

I am happy to take that risk, although I don't have much choice.

The people in Sheffield, Donaster and Hull are being given basic kitchen equipment, seating, and beds. I don't think that's extravagant and hope at least some of you will understand the human dimension to this.

susie-4964 · 07-07-2007, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by maybe

The people in Sheffield, Donaster and Hull are being given basic kitchen equipment, seating, and beds. I don't think that's extravagant and hope at least some of you will understand the human dimension to this.

Of course they should be given humanitarian aid through charities. They should NOT expect to achieve the standard of living they had before the flooding, though. That's what insurance is for, to restore your standard of living. If you don't have insurance, I'm afraid you have to go back to basics and start again, hopefully older and wiser.

eunicelouise658 · 07-07-2007, 17:01

I recently insured my 4 bedroomed house (contents) for £91 annual premium and cannot not imagine not being insured. I do wonder how high the premiums are for homes at risk of flooding. Has any one goot any idea how high the increases in the premiums in at risk of flooding areas?

maybe · 07-07-2007, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie4964

Of course they should be given humanitarian aid through charities. They should NOT expect to achieve the standard of living they had before the flooding, though. That's what insurance is for, to restore your standard of living. If you don't have insurance, I'm afraid you have to go back to basics and start again, hopefully older and wiser.

That is not what people are asking for. They are asking to be temporarily homed and to be able to cook, sit, and have somewhere to sleep

maybe · 07-07-2007, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by eunicelouise658

I recently insured my 4 bedroomed house (contents) for £91 annual premium and cannot not imagine not being insured. I do wonder how high the premiums are for homes at risk of flooding. Has any one goot any idea how high the increases in the premiums in at risk of flooding areas?

It isn't that they become particularly high (by reasonable standards); insurance actually becomes unavailable.

trinity2002 · 07-07-2007, 17:28

I don't understand some peoples views. You hear on the news that some people ( some being the operative word) affected in these floods did not have contents insurance and automatically decided they did not have it because they were skint flints.

There are a few reasons why people do not have contents insurance. Alot of people lets theirs lapse without realising for a start. And I know of one friend who was told by a security alarm system company that the burglar alarm coupled with her smoke alarms meant that she didn't need contents insurance. Some people purely can't get contents insurance either by their own fault or the geographical location of their homes ( its amazing how the highest insurance costs are for the poorest areas). I'm sure there many other reasons too.

This aid isn't just for the uninsured, it is for all those that have been affected and need the help sooner rather than the obviously long wait for their insurance to come through.

Are people seriously suggesting that these people without insurance are demanding the government reimburse them for every penny they've lost - rubbish they are asking for basic help. I just feel that people like complaining about others that much that the perspective has been lost here.

When I started this post I made a point that most people DO/DID have contents insurance so we are not even talking the majority of people here. God what a society we are when we constantly whinge about taxpayers having to pay this or that - usually involving such a small amount in the grand scale of things too. Alot of people on this thread it appears to me wish these people to be left with nothing just because they didn't have insurance ( remortgaging won't be that easy with a flooded property btw)

Just because maybe a few have been irresponsible it doesn't mean they are unworthy of our help - but understand that some people have not been irresponsible and have been refused insurance or been quoted extortionate prices well out of their price range.

maybe · 07-07-2007, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by trinity2002

I don't understand some peoples views. You hear on the news that some people ( some being the operative word) affected in these floods did not have contents insurance and automatically decided they did not have it because they were skint flints.

There are a few reasons why people do not have contents insurance. Alot of people lets theirs lapse without realising for a start. And I know of one friend who was told by a security alarm system company that the burglar alarm coupled with her smoke alarms meant that she didn't need contents insurance. Some people purely can't get contents insurance either by their own fault or the geographical location of their homes ( its amazing how the highest insurance costs are for the poorest areas). I'm sure there many other reasons too.

This aid isn't just for the uninsured, it is for all those that have been affected and need the help sooner rather than the obviously long wait for their insurance to come through.

Are people seriously suggesting that these people without insurance are demanding the government reimburse them for every penny they've lost - rubbish they are asking for basic help. I just feel that people like complaining about others that much that the perspective has been lost here.

When I started this post I made a point that most people DO/DID have contents insurance so we are not even talking the majority of people here. God what a society we are when we constantly whinge about taxpayers having to pay this or that - usually involving such a small amount in the grand scale of things too. Alot of people on this thread it appears to me wish these people to be left with nothing just because they didn't have insurance ( remortgaging won't be that easy with a flooded property btw)

Just because maybe a few have been irresponsible it doesn't mean they are unworthy of our help - but understand that some people have not been irresponsible and have been refused insurance or been quoted extortionate prices well out of their price range.

Brilliant post. I was actually starting to lose my faith in human nature after reading FM's responses to the situation in flooded areas.

It is much, much more complex and distressing than it seems on the news reports: 30,000 people have been displaced in my city of Hull. Some schools are ruined; some people will not be able to return home for over a year (and they might even have insurance!); some roads and bridges are destroyed etc.

These are simply people in terrible, urgent, TEMPORARY need. If anyone wants to donate unwanted fridges, cookers, beds etc they can do so via the Freecycle website.

07-07-2007, 15:51	#1
SparkleBabe Inactive Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: My House Services: Sky+, Top Up TV, AOL Posts: 15,938 Blog Entries: 3	People without home insurance. Irresponsible? I was reading in the paper today about people affected by the flood who have lost everything and who's homes are so badly damaged they will be unable to move back in for up to a year. Although I feel sorry for them, when they come out with comments like 'We didn't have insurance' I cannot help but think that they are silly and irresponisble. Why should the tax payer fork out because they didn't take out home insurance? I mean even University students living in halls are encoraged to take out insurance on their personal belongings in case of a break in or a fire. You see them in the paper all the time, house has been burnt to the ground and they are moaning about how they have lost everything and they 'didn't have insurance' because they 'couldn't afford it'. Yet they have a digital satellite dish stuck on the side of the house I do feel a huge ammount of sympathy with these people who have lost everything. But had they had insurance they would not have been in such dire straights now.

07-07-2007, 15:56	#2
Spot Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Norwich, Tacolneston tx Services: Namesco Broadband, Freeview, FTA DSat, DAB. Posts: 12,650	Indeed, and I think it's important that any help they might get from relief funds is seen to be much less than what they could have claimed under a valid insurance policy. Otherwise it sends out completely the wrong message both to those who did have insurance, and to taxpayers in general.

07-07-2007, 15:58	#3
Y Me Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Uxbridge U. K. Services: Be* Unlimited. Freeview. Posts: 822	No they are not irresponsible just the possessors of wet belongings.

07-07-2007, 15:59	#4
California Girl Banned User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: A mile from nowhere Posts: 7,285	Household insurance is not even expensive! I just don't get the mentality of these people.

07-07-2007, 16:00	#6
Sloopy Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 59,808	It's madness not to have the appropriate insurance in the event of a disaster such as this. I'm sure they're regretting it now, but they do have to take responsibility for such complacency. Obviously they deserve some help and assistance as we all know what destruction the floods have caused, but insurance should be an essential, not an afterthought.

07-07-2007, 16:04	#9
Tumble weed Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Gender: Male Location: England ~ UK (Ex NTL Area) Services: Sky World Pack, Sky+HD, Sky+160, Virgin TV XL, Virgin BB 20MB, PS3 60GB Posts: 6,876	There are two sides to this though - if you have the money and don't give a shit about your stuff you can get away without having insurance. In any case I didn't think insurances cover 'Acts of God' or has this changed now? I don't really care either way tbh - it's their business lol, I do have insurance though Infact my uni accomodation included it in the rent £90pw!

07-07-2007, 16:05	#10
Spot Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Norwich, Tacolneston tx Services: Namesco Broadband, Freeview, FTA DSat, DAB. Posts: 12,650	It's been encouraging to hear people say on radio and TV that those affected will either have to remortgage their homes to raise the money they need (thus meaning they will pay heavily for their mistake in the long run) or if that's not an option, there was a man on Moneybox today saying they will have to go to charity shops. Good, it's their own fault.

07-07-2007, 16:07	#11
cosham Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sussex Services: sky + bt bb opt3 Posts: 4,502	We are council tenents our contents insurance is £11 a month,but to tell the truth i think it's one of those things some people just do not think of.

07-07-2007, 16:08	#14
sinkingradio Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South London Posts: 1,076	[quote=SparkleBabe;16053782]I find the attitude of some them to be quite shocking. They seem to feel that they should have a god given right to government aid. Yes its awful, but its your own stupid fault you didn't insure your home and its contents.[/QUOTE] That appears to be a very sweeping statement. Its easy to judge people when you don't know their full backgrounds. Perhaps home insurance is expensive in possible flood areas. Plus Don't forget this was an event that weather forecasters state would happen once in a life time in terms of the extreme nature. These people couldn't predict such extreme weather. I find it frustrating that some people spout out these judgemental views on others when we do not know all the facts. Some of these people have lost everything, give them a break.

07-07-2007, 16:41	#18
habby Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: East London Services: Telly & Logik Freeview Box & Panasonic DMR-ES30V DVD recorder Posts: 3,717	im paying a lot for building & contents insurance for where im currently living. Im moving in 10 days time & part of the conditions of the mortgage was that I had to prove I had building/contents insurance in place for my new address. AND Ive already had to pay out £70 1st payment against insurance for a house I havent even moved into yet!!! How can these people moan about whats been ruined then say so brazenly they havent got insurance?

07-07-2007, 17:01	#21
eunicelouise658 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,724	I recently insured my 4 bedroomed house (contents) for £91 annual premium and cannot not imagine not being insured. I do wonder how high the premiums are for homes at risk of flooding. Has any one goot any idea how high the increases in the premiums in at risk of flooding areas?

07-07-2007, 17:28	#24
trinity2002 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,574	I don't understand some peoples views. You hear on the news that some people ( some being the operative word) affected in these floods did not have contents insurance and automatically decided they did not have it because they were skint flints. There are a few reasons why people do not have contents insurance. Alot of people lets theirs lapse without realising for a start. And I know of one friend who was told by a security alarm system company that the burglar alarm coupled with her smoke alarms meant that she didn't need contents insurance. Some people purely can't get contents insurance either by their own fault or the geographical location of their homes ( its amazing how the highest insurance costs are for the poorest areas). I'm sure there many other reasons too. This aid isn't just for the uninsured, it is for all those that have been affected and need the help sooner rather than the obviously long wait for their insurance to come through. Are people seriously suggesting that these people without insurance are demanding the government reimburse them for every penny they've lost - rubbish they are asking for basic help. I just feel that people like complaining about others that much that the perspective has been lost here. When I started this post I made a point that most people DO/DID have contents insurance so we are not even talking the majority of people here. God what a society we are when we constantly whinge about taxpayers having to pay this or that - usually involving such a small amount in the grand scale of things too. Alot of people on this thread it appears to me wish these people to be left with nothing just because they didn't have insurance ( remortgaging won't be that easy with a flooded property btw) Just because maybe a few have been irresponsible it doesn't mean they are unworthy of our help - but understand that some people have not been irresponsible and have been refused insurance or been quoted extortionate prices well out of their price range.