Category: Blog

Q. Home Insurance Terms

If you’re purchasing home insurance for the first time or even just renewing, you may become confused by the various home insurance terms presented by different insurance companies. Below we have detailed some of the most common home insurance terms that you may come across. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, call a member of our team today for more information.

The terms below are guidelines for what each term means. However, these may change depending on which insurance company you are with. For specific definitions regarding individual policies, please refer to your policy booklet.

Accidental Damage

Accidental Damage is where an accident occurs suddenly or unexpectedly. This usually refers to an event that is unlikely to happen again. It does not include wear and tear that may happen over time.

Buildings

Buildings refer to your home and the fixtures and fittings. This can include walls, gates, patios and oil tanks once they are all at your home address.

Excess

Home Insurance Excess is the amount of money you are responsible to pay for in the event of a claim. For example, if your excess is €300 and you have a claim of €10,000, you will receive €9,700 from your home insurance provider. The standard excess figure that you pay may change depending on which insurance provider you are with.

Consequential loss

Consequential loss refers to any further loss that may occur as a result of loss or damage to your home.

Schedule

Your home insurance schedule is part of your contract with your insurance company and includes details about the premises, the amount of cover, the period of insurance and any additional information relating to your policy.

Standard Construction

This can change depending on your policy. However, it usually refers to a home that is built of brick, stone or concrete, and roofed with slates, tiles, concrete or metal, except that up to 20% of the total roof area may be felt or a similar permanent deck.

Unoccupied

This refers to a home that has not been lived in for 30 consecutive days.

No Claims Bonus

This refers to the years you have held an insurance policy without making a claim. You receive a reduction in the cost of your premium based on the number of years you have been claiming free. If you are considering a home insurance policy with KennCo, you can get a 30% discount on your policy if you have three or more years of no claims.

Ground Heave

Ground Heave refers to the upwards expansion of the ground, which causes damage to the buildings or their foundations.

Occupant

An occupant is a person whom you have permitted to stay in your home overnight.

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Q. Air Travel Baggage Allowance

What you can take on board when travelling

With so many airlines, it’s easy to get confused about what the travel baggage allowance is. Between low cost airlines and traditional airlines, there are many differences when it comes to bag dimensions and weight limits.

We have taken a brief look at the most popular airlines around Europe to see exactly what size bag you are allowed – this might mean the difference between taking those extra ‘just-in-case’ pair of shoes or not!

RYANAIR

RYANAIR

Ryanair is the connoisseur of economic travel but you don’t get a lot of baggage allowance. Only 20kg check in and 10kg take on. That’s 3kg less than most other airlines. They do however allow one small personal bag like a handbag/laptop/Duty Free/Baby Changing. Ryanair tend to be strict though so if you go over your allowance you’ll have to pay an additional fee of around €30 (one way, €60 return) so don’t get caught out!

AER LINGUS

Aer Lingus allow the standard 33kg baggage allowance (23kg check in and 10kg take on) but similarly to Ryanair there is a fee if you go over or if you would like to take additional bags (see table for further details). Aer Lingus charge per kilo extra so prices do vary. Like Ryanair and most popular airlines they will also allow a small personal bag handbag/laptop/duty free/baby changing

AIR FRANCE

BRITISH AIRWAYS

LUFTHANSA

IBERIA AIRLINES

Always pack Clever – roll as much as you can rather than flat pack – and if you are unsure about something don’t bring it – chances are you won’t actually need it. Remember you can always buy a replacement item if you forget to pack it like shampoo or sun cream. The most important items to remember are your passport, your money and you!

Finally never travel abroad without good comprehensive Travel Insurance, it could end up coming in really handy should anything happen to you on holiday. You will want to remember your trip with fond memories not ones of being stranded with no assistance. At KennCo we offer a great product at a competitive rate.

Q. Travel Tips for Summer 2023

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time for Irish travellers to explore new destinations or revisit their favourite spots. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, here are some travel tips for a fun and hassle-free summer vacation.

1. Book your flights and accommodation early

Summer is a popular travel season, so booking your flights and accommodation as early as possible is best to avoid disappointment. Flights and hotels can get more expensive the closer you get to your travel dates, so plan to get the best deals.

By booking in advance, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and get the best deals on flights and hotels. This is especially important during peak travel seasons when prices are higher, and availability may be limited.

It’s also important to note that last-minute bookings can be much more expensive, so planning and booking early can help you save significant money on your trip.

2. Be prepared for the weather

Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, but if you travel to a warmer destination, pack appropriate clothing and sunscreen. We Irish are prone to get sunburned, so this is essential. The last thing you want is to get sunburnt on your first day and spend the rest of your trip in pain.

3. Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, especially during the summer when there are more risks of flight cancellations, delays, or lost luggage. Medical cover is also crucial in case of illness or injury abroad.

We provide Travel Insurance for customers in Ireland. You can choose between multi-trip or single-trip cover depending on your needs and budget.

4. Pack light

Summer is the perfect time to travel light, so leave the heavy winter clothes at home and pack light, breathable clothing. You want to avoid being weighed down by unnecessary baggage, and packing light means you’ll have more space for souvenirs to bring back to your family at home.

Before you start packing, list everything you need for your trip. This will help you to stay organised and avoid overpacking.

5. Stay hydrated

Summer heat can dehydrate you quickly, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is especially important if you’re travelling to a hot destination where the sun can be relentless. Especially on an active holiday, you may be using a lot of energy, so keeping on top of your water intake is essential.

6. Plan your activities in advance

If you’re travelling during the peak season, planning your activities is best to avoid long queues or disappointment. Book your tours, activities and tickets in advance to save time and money.

Do your research on things to do in the location you plan on going to, and book your tours and activities online.

7. Learn some basic phrases

Learning some basic phrases in the local language is always a good idea if you’re travelling to a foreign country. This can help you navigate your way around and communicate with locals, making your trip more enjoyable.

Even a simple “thank you” is very appreciated by the locals so look up a few simple phrases before you head to your holiday destination.

8. Be respectful of local customs

Every country has its own customs and traditions, so respecting them when travelling is essential. This can include dress codes, eating habits or social norms, so research before you go and show respect to the local culture.

9. Keep your valuables safe

Summer is a busy travel season, so always keep your valuables safe. This includes your passport, cash and credit cards. Consider using a money belt or lockable bag to keep your valuables secure.

If you’re staying in a hotel, they will likely have a safe in which you can store all your valuables, and they will remain untouched until you open the safe again with a code you use. We always recommend using safes in hotels for peace of mind, and you can instead focus on having fun and topping up that tan!

11. Download offline maps

Download offline maps of your destination to avoid getting lost or incurring expensive roaming charges. This can also help you plan your itinerary and navigate the city more efficiently. It may be more relevant if you’re travelling outside of the EU. In the EU, you will still have a high data allowance to use Google Maps and navigate around the city.

However, there may be times when your service drops, so we recommend downloading an offline map of your destination.

Enjoy yourself!

Finally, remember to relax and have fun! Summer is the perfect time to unwind and explore new destinations, so make the most of your trip and create lasting memories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the summer season is a great time for Irish travellers to explore new destinations, relax, and create unforgettable memories. You can make the most of your summer travels by following these travel tips.

Stay safe, have fun, and embrace new experiences as you embark on your summer adventure. Whether travelling solo, with friends, or with family, the summer is the perfect time to explore new cultures, try new foods, and make new friends. So, pack your bags, and prepare for an exciting summer journey!

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Q. Landlords: Terminating a Tenancy

If you’re a landlord in Ireland, you’ll be aware that there are numerous laws and regulations in place to protect both the tenant and the landlord. There has been a lot of discussion in recent times about rising rents and rent control across the country. Due to the lack of houses available, pressure has increased on the rental market. As a landlord, you are responsible for treating your tenant fairly. Sometimes, you may need to end a tenancy for one reason or another. So what are the correct procedures for terminating a tenancy agreement?

Reasons for Terminating a Tenancy

The rules regarding terminating a tenancy depend on how long your tenants have been renting your property.

Tenants for less than 6 months

If a tenant has been renting your property for less than 6 months, you can ask them to leave without giving a reason. However, you must still provide them with written notice at least 28 days before you want to vacate your property. There are exceptions to the notice period if you’re new tenants are damaging your property or are involved in disruptive behaviour.

Tenants for more than 6 months

If your tenant has lived in the property for more than six months, you are not entitled to terminate their tenancy unless they have breached their lease or obligations. This may include:

If your tenant does not comply with the obligations set out by the lease
If the property is no longer suited to the tenant’s needs
If you’re planning on selling the property in the next three months
If you or your immediate family are planning to move into the house
If you are planning to make substantial refurbishments to the property
If you plan to change the business use of the property

Procedures for Terminating a Tenancy

If you do want to ask your tenants to vacate your property, some procedures must be followed.

You must inform your tenant in writing that you want them to leave.
You or your agent are required to sign the letter of notice.
Your notice letter should stipulate which date the tenant should vacate the property.
State your reason for ending their tenancy.
Inform the tenant that if they have any issues with the letter of notice, they must contact the Residential Tenancies Board RTB within 28 days of receiving the notice.

Notice Periods for Termination of Tenancy

Depending on how long a tenant has been living in your property, the notice period that a landlord is required to give differs. Below is a table showing how many days of notice you are required to provide.

Length of tenancy	Notice that the landlord must give
Less than 6 months	28 days
6+ months – 1 year	35 days
1 year – 2 years	42 days
2 years – 3 years	56 days
3 years – 4 years	84 days
4 years – 5 years	112 days
5 years – 6 years	140 days
6 years – 7 years	168 days
7 years – 8 years	196 days
8 years +	224 days

Notice Period Exceptions

There are some exceptions regarding the notice periods you must provide your tenants with. If the tenant breaches their obligations, you must only provide the tenant with 28 days notice. If the tenant is involved with anti-social behaviour or is damaging the property, the landlord must only provide the tenant with 7 days’ notice.

If a tent has not paid its rent, the landlord must give them written notice of how much they owe and allow them 14 days to pay off any arrears. If the tenant does not pay the arrears within 14 days, the landlord is required to provide them with 28 days’ notice to vacate the property.

If you’re renting out a property at the moment, why not give KennCo a call to discuss Landlord Insurance with a member of our team on 01 409 2600.

Disclaimer: The above information is correct at the time of publication on 25 January 2017.

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Q. Great Car Trips Around Ireland

There are some fantastic car trips to choose from when hitting the road in Ireland. Whether you’re on holiday from abroad or you’re Irish and on staycation, there are plenty of places to explore around Ireland. Just hop in your car and go!

Ireland is known for its beautiful green landscape and scenery, and if you’re in your car in Ireland, you don’t have to travel far to see it. But there’s much more to see. Ireland also has fantastic cliffs, beaches, vast limestone pavements and much more. Read on to start your discovery…

The Burren

The Burren is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations and covers an area of about 250 sq metres. Car trips of the area cover over 80km and bring you through some of Ireland’s most scenic spots and beautiful towns. The word ‘Burren’ means ‘Rocky Place’ in the Irish language and is quite a fitting name due to the vast areas of uncovered limestone.

The area also includes limestone pavement, woodland, lakes, springs, cliffs and a fen. But be careful where you thread! Despite The Burren making up just 1% of Ireland’s landscape, over 75% of our native plants are located there and are now protected by law.

The Sally Gap

Situated in Co. Wicklow, The Sally Gap is mostly known for its spectacular views. The car trip around the area may require a little more focus as the trip includes winding roads that can become very narrow at times. Driving your car more slowly will also give you more time to take in the breathtaking views of mountain scenery, vast bog plains and lakes.

Watch for deer scattered across the mountains as you make your way along the route. You’ll notice the landscape changing as you drive along to the route from brown bog lands to green firs and valleys. If you fancy getting out of your car for a walk in the area, continue on to Glendalough for various walkways around the lake.

The Sally Gap is also worth visiting in autumn and winter as the leaves turn brown and orange. However, be sure to check the weather forecast before going there, as snow levels are usually much higher, which can make roads more hazardous.

The Ring of Kerry

Car Trips to The Ring of Kerry have been a top destination for tourists for years. Not only will you see some of the best beaches in Ireland, but you can also enjoy fantastic landscapes, Iron Age Forts and monasteries.

The roads around The Ring of Kerry can be windy and narrow, so you may need to have your wits about you if you’re behind the wheel.

If you’re planning to spend a bit of time around the area, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling or horse riding, or you want to sample the local cuisine, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Causeway Coastal Route

You may need to split this car trip over a few days as the full route is over 190 Kilometres. The route extends from Belfast to Derry plenty of scenery along the way. As the name suggests, you’ll mostly be driving on coastal roads with long beaches, cliffs and waterfalls.

Unlike a lot of Ireland’s coastal car trips, the roads are quite good and easy to manoeuvre around. The best day to head on this trip is a clear, bright day, as good visibility will allow you to take in the break-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs.

Along the route, you can also visit the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, which consists of thousands of basalt columns from an ancient volcanic eruption.

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Q. Is your Home Under Insured?

According to the Association of British Insurers’ latest guide on buildings and contents insurance, research shows that one in five households could be underinsured. Whilst we don’t have any similar report in Ireland, anecdotal evidence would suggest that there is a similar trend here. Underinsurance can cause serious problems if you have to make an insurance claim, as parties under insure are at risk of being penalised in the amount they can recover.

Make sure your home is not under-insured:

Count the cost of a rebuild – for buildings, this means the full cost of rebuilding the home, including fixtures and fittings, any outbuildings and external structures like walls and fences, plus an amount for any extra charges that could be involved in rebuilding such as demolition costs, architects’ and surveyors’ fees and meeting the requirements of local authorities. The Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland has a useful guide to house rebuilding costs.

It’s easy to underestimate the value of household contents and possessions. The sum insured should reflect the full cost of replacing all the belongings within the home at current prices.

Check that all personal effects are covered

This means replacing new items covered. It is worth noting that gold has risen 500% in 10 years while silver has risen an astonishing 900% in the same period, so it is important that up-to-date valuations are retained for all the items covered.

Annual Review

It’s usually a good idea to review your buildings and contents insurance coverage at least once a year.

If you are looking for home insurance cover, why not contact us at 01 409 2600 to discuss your options or on our quick quote section to get a quote online?

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Q. “Cyber Insurance, do I need it?”

Who needs cyber insurance? Well, if you are a business owner of any size, the short answer to this question is most likely: You.

Anybody who has a website, uses e-mail, has computer systems, or handles data – in paper form or digital – requires cyber insurance to protect their business.

The CSO (from IDG) outline the following astonishing stats:

In 2021, cybercriminals exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in remote work, leading to a historic rise in cybercrime.
The Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report noted 5,258 confirmed data breaches, with 86% being financially motivated.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) saw a 69% increase in complaints in 2020, with losses exceeding $4.1 billion.
Ransomware attacks grew by over 40%, and email malware attacks were up by 600% compared to 2019, according to the Sift Q1 2021 Trust & Safety Index.
DDoS attacks are becoming larger and more frequent, with Akamai reporting more attacks over 50 Gbps in 2021 than in all of 2019.
The average ransom paid in ransomware attacks increased 171% from 2019 to 2020, with the highest ransom paid doubling from $5 million to $10 million.

Why should you consider Cyber Insurance?

You may have heard of some of the more high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, such as the “Wannacry” ransomware attack from May 2017, which spread worldwide, infecting 230,000 computers across 150 countries within one day. Another high-profile attack was seen in 2013 when The Associated Press’s Twitter account was hacked, and a fake tweet was issued stating that there had been an attack on the White House and that President Obama had been injured. Within 3 minutes, $100bn+ was erased from the Stock Exchange.

Taking out a Cyber Insurance policy can offer you vital protections against cyber crime, which comes in many forms. Have you ever received a “phishing” e-mail where somebody sends you an e-mail to get you or a staff member to click a link and provide them with information? Are you certain that you will never make the mistake of thinking that one of these e-mails is genuine? More to the point, are you certain that no member of your staff will ever make that mistake? How confident are you that your Computer Systems will never be hacked and fall victim to ransomware? In such an event, all of the data on your system is liable to be stolen, and the hacker may demand a significant ransom to relinquish control of your systems back to you.

KennCo Cyber Insurance Policy Benefits

These events, as described above, could be catastrophic for a business of any size. A KennCo Cyber Insurance policy can offer you protection against these events, and can offer the following services and resources:

Computer Expert Services
Legal Services
Notification Services (e.g. The costs associated with notifying data subjects of breaches. These costs can be extensive)
Call Centre Services
Breach Resolution and Mitigation Services
Public Relations and Crisis Management Services
Assistance from the BBR Services Team (Beazley Breach Response Services) and access to educational and loss control information at no charge

The above services are in addition to covering damages and claims expenses resulting from data breaches and computer security failure, among other items.

Additional Cover Available

The above covers come as standard, however, additional covers are also available, such as:

Cover for a Cyber Extortion Payment
Business Interruption cover

(The above information on covers is an overview and is not exhaustive.)

If you don’t already have a Cyber Insurance policy, you do need it, as a cyber attack could threaten the very survival of your business. For more information and contact details, visit our Cyber Insurance page here!

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Q. How To Pet Proof Your Home

Pet Proof Your Home to Keep Your House Clean and Your Pet Safe

If you’re welcoming a new pet into your home, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to pet-proof your home before they arrive. As you can expect, some pets require more home proofing than others. Unsurprisingly, bringing home a new goldfish, for example, shouldn’t require as half as much preparation compared to a new puppy. Today we’re going to focus on the most two common house pets; cats and dogs.

Lock cabinets and cupboards

Prevent your pets from eating or drinking cleaning chemicals, medicines or the incorrect foods by ensuring that your cupboards are locked shut. You can add child safety locks to prevent your pets from open cabinets when you’re not around, if necessary.

Keep food out of reach

No matter how well trained your dog or cat is, it’s better not to temp them by leaving food out within their reach. Dogs and cats can easily jump up on counters and tables if they’re feeling peckish.

Get a lid for your bin

Dogs are often tempted by food scraps in your bin. To save yourself the job of cleaning yesterday’s rubbish from your kitchen floor, ensure that your bin has a lid before you leave your dog alone with it.

Are your plants poisonous?

Did you know that daffodil bulbs and rhubarb leaves are poisonous to dogs? Many plants and leaves are poisonous to dogs and cats so if you’re planning on adding some colour to your home, make sure to check whether they are dangerous to your pet before you take out the vase.

Close the toilet lid

Try to get in the habit of keeping the toilet lid closed after every use. Not only will it prevent your pet from drinking for the toilet bowl but may prevent smaller animals from drowning.

Protect your Shoes

Keep your footwear in a protected shoe rack or in a cupboard if you have a pup or kitten. Shoes have long been a favourite chew toy for many a dog while kittens may not be able to resist playing with your shoelaces.

Check your washing machine before you turn it on

Cats love to relax in warm enclosed areas and your washing machine or tumble dryer can seem like a comfortable place for a daytime nap to your cat. Before turning on your machine, have a quick look inside to ensure that your pet isn’t having a nap inside.

Install a baby gate

If you want to prevent your dog from going upstairs in your home, install a baby gate. By restricting your dog to the downstairs of your home, your dog is free to roam around your house without having access to your freshly washed bed sheets or linen.

How much you need to pet-proof your home may depend on how old your new pet is. Remember for small puppies or kittens, any loose moving object such as ornaments or kitchen utensils may be a hazard.

If you are interested in learning about more ways to protect your home from other issues such as mould, read our blog here.

Interested in Home Insurance? Check out what KennCo Home insurance includes in our policy here or call us on 0818252025!

Q. Renting a Car While Travelling Abroad

Renting a car while travelling abroad can be a great option if you plan on travelling a lot, travelling with your family, or bringing a large amount of luggage. Depending on where you’re going, the process of renting a car can vary, and in some cases, it can be complicated. So it’s a good idea to be familiar with the different jargon and features before you arrive at your destination to rent a car.

Choosing a Car Rental Company

It is nearly always cheaper to book your rental car online before you go compared to purchasing it over the counter at the airport. There are many online comparison websites, such as Skyscanner, where you can compare car rental companies and find the most suitably priced option.

It’s important to remember that when you’re comparing car companies, you should be comparing the features like-for-like. Some airlines in Ireland also offer discounts on car hire when you purchase flights from them, so check you’re ticket for deals.

International Driving Permits

If you’re travelling to other English-speaking countries, your Irish driving licence should get you by. However, if you’re travelling to non-English speaking countries, you may require an International Driving Permit. This document translates your licence into 10 different languages and is recognised in more than 100 countries. You may be asked to present this along with your driver’s licence.

What Features Should You Consider?

Price

Price is going to be a leading factor for most consumers who are shopping around for a rented car. As you are probably aware, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Car rental prices are influenced by the time of your, the length of hire, the day of the week etc. If you’re planning on booking a car for your Christmas holidays, for example, you’ll need to book early and expect to pay a lot more than the normal fee.

Car Size

The larger the car, the more you’ll usually pay. When you’re comparing the prices of different companies, make sure you’re comparing vehicles that are the same size as each other. You will also pay more based on the spec of the car or whether it is considered a luxury car or not.

Car Age

In some instances, car rental companies will charge you extra to get a new car model. If you’re hoping to cut costs, it may not be necessary to drive a new model, so be careful to check that you’re not paying extra for something you don’t need before you click ‘buy’.

Rental Car Insurance

Most car rental companies include car insurance. However, you must check the excess on the policy. Excesses of as much as €5,000 can apply. This means that in the event of an accident, you’ll have to pay €5,000 first before your insurance kicks in. You can usually pay a small extra fee to reduce the excess, which might be worth it in the long run.

Additional Drivers

You may want to share the driving with a partner or friend. If so, it is important to check whether there is an extra charge to add additional drivers before you buy. Some car rental companies don’t charge any extra to add drivers.

Fuel Charges

Depending on which car rental company you decide to go with, the way you are charged for fuel may differ. Some car rental companies charge you on a full-to-empty tank basis. In this case, you pay for a full fuel tank before leaving the depot.

The disadvantage is that if you don’t use all of the fuel, you still pay for a full tank. An alternative better method is a full-to-full policy. In this case you need to ensure that the tank is full when you return it to the depot. This means that you only pay for the fuel that you have used.

Added Extras

Depending on whether you want to add child car seats, sat-navs, roof racks etc., you will be charged an additional fee. It may be better value to purchase these items beforehand, as many companies overcharge you to rent these items.

Inspecting the Car

If you’re renting a car, it is important to properly inspect the car before you drive it out of the depot. Check to see if there are any marks on the car. If there are, take pictures and inform a member of staff.

Other Options

Don’t forget that if you have a car insurance policy with KennCo Insurance, your policy includes 30 days of foreign driving. So if you’re travelling to the UK or France, why not bring your own car?

Safe Travels!

If you’re travelling abroad, consider buying travel insurance before you go to take full advantage of our cancellations and curtailment feature.

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