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payment diversion scams

Property maintenance payment diversion scams

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payment diversion scamsIt’s the time of year when many holiday cottage owners will have used, or be using professional tradespeople to undertake repairs and improvements on their properties ready for a great Easter and summer season.

If you fall into this category we wanted to make sure that you’re aware of a rise in ‘property maintenance payment diversion scams’ over recent months. Some businesses and individuals have been stung by these schemes, so we want you to be vigilant and aware.

How do property maintenance payment diversion scams work? 

Fraudsters have been using emails to trick holiday homeowners and other businesses into transferring money via payment diversion scams.

  • They target those who are expecting to make payments for recent property repairs
  • The scammers claim to be the tradesman who recently completed the work.

Not only do they take on the identity of your authentic tradesman, they use a similar email address which can make the email appear to be the real deal. In the email, they ask for funds to be sent via bank transfer. Once that cash has been sent, they’ve got your money and your real tradesman is asking for payment – leaving you out of pocket.

The risks

The most obvious risk when it comes to these emails is a financial one. Bank transfers have no financial compensation, which means that as soon as you send the money you’re unlikely to get a penny back, even if you discover that it was a fraudulent request. Alternative methods such as credit cards and PayPal provide additional protection that bank transfers don’t offer and can therefore provide cottage owners with more of a financial safety net.

Ensure you don’t click on any links

Most email services have strong junk and spam filters nowadays. However it doesn’t mean that a scam email won’t still find its way into your inbox. The majority of the emails being sent are purely text based, but some may contain a link. If you doubt the authenticity of an email, it’s important that you don’t click on any links. They can often be used to spread a virus into your computer or devise.

What to do

If you’ve recently had work completed on your holiday let, then keep an eye on what arrives in your inbox. First and foremost, check the email address against the one you have previously used in correspondence with the genuine contractor. If the email address is different, it’s probably not the real deal.

You should also check the spelling and grammar. Incorrect spellings and poor grammar are a red flag and suggest that the email could be a payment diversion scam. Professionals take the time to make sure emails are correct, scammers do not.

Even if the spelling is perfect and you don’t think it was sent by a fraudster, always call your tradesman before making any payments. Confirm that they sent you the email, and the payment details.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, you can report it online. Use this link http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. Require a quote for your holiday apartment, cottage or complex? Please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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England's Seafood Coast

England’s Seafood Coast inititive a reel catch for holiday letting in South Devon

England’s Seafood Coast Initiative launched to make South Devon the heart of seafood

England's Seafood CoastIf we said “seafood”, where would you think of? A new initiative (England’s Seafood Coast) has been launched by Mitch Tonks, Visit Devon, and the Torbay Culture Board. It aims to position ‘Torbay’ and ‘South Devon’ at the heart of Britain’s seafood culture.

It’s staggering to think that England’s highest value seafood catch is landed at Brixham, yet less than 10% of it is eaten locally. Chef Mitch Tonks wants this to change, and aims to celebrate local seafood with the support of the Discover England Fund.

The plan

England’s Seafood Coast will be supported through a number of events and activities whilst bringing together the local seafood community.

Project Director Carolyn Custerson, ERTC Chief Executive Officer said: “Torbay’s new Tourism Destination Management Plan identifies the development of our cultural food and drink offer to help attract new visitors to the area. This project will inspire local businesses and partners to work together to develop and communicate England’s Seafood Coast product and brand to put the English Riviera on the map as a foodie destination.”

What this means in reality is a more joined up approach to promoting local seafood producers and providers, with the best in the locality being mapped for publicity.

Digital marketing is also set to play a vital role in increasing the awareness of the area’s best seafood experiences; a platform is currently being designed to make it easier for local residents and visitors to enjoy local seafood.

The aim

So why has this new project been created? Well, put simply, to boost the local area’s profile across the UK and globally. Thanks to the English Riviera Tourism Company, the project has successfully secured funding. Secured from the Government’s three-year Discover England Fund, which is putting £40million into the UK’s tourism industry.

The funding is designed to grow and increase the competitiveness of England’s tourism offerings and develop bookable tourism products. The food offerings are a core part of this goal, drawing more guests to visit areas with outstanding culinary heritage.

This investment is great news for Torbay and South Devon’s tourism industry. As well as boosting local interest in the area’s fishing heritage, the demand for holiday letting accommodation will also benefit.

Are you a holiday homeowner with great food and produce on your doorstep? Make sure you’re using it as a marketing asset. Whether on your blog, through social media or email marketing, do spread the word. Food is becoming an increasingly significant factor in buying decisions including the selection of holiday destinations.

For more information or to get involved with the project, click here.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. Require a quote for your holiday apartment, cottage or complex? Please give us a call on 01237 429444.

 

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accident report guest injured holiday home

5 steps to take if a guest is injured at your holiday home

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accident report guest injured holiday homeAccidents happen, and whilst health and safety measures will reduce potential risks there may still be a time when a guest is injured at your holiday home. Our holiday home insurance policy comes with public liability as standard, but there are some steps you’ll need to carry out should an accident occur.

Make sure communication is at the forefront of your mind

First and foremost, make sure that as soon as you’re made aware that a guest has been injured, you check on their condition. Identify how serious the incident was, and also exactly where, how and when it took place. Having firm and hard facts will be important when dealing with your insurance provider.

Don’t admit liability

It can be a very English thing to say sorry as soon as someone has been hurt. However, sometimes accidents happen, so until it is completely apparent that the incident has taken place as a result of your actions, don’t steam in and admit any liability.

If someone has been injured discussions in the immediate aftermath can become heated. Think of the best way to deal with the situation. Whether that would be through a face to face meeting or asking them to provide a written account of what has happened (often a good way for them to let off some steam). Do not respond to any correspondence beyond acknowledging receipt and stating that you have passed it on to your insurers. It is imperative that you forward correspondence to your insurers as soon as you receive it.

Inform your insurance company

Next, you will need to inform your insurance provider. We recommend you do this as soon as possible for the benefit of you and your guest. Provide them with full details of what happened (which is why it’s vitally important you gather this information), as well as information on any injuries sustained. The more information you let your insurance provider have the better. If it’s received as quickly as possible they’ll be able to deal with your claim and resolve it. Afterall, this is ultimately what you and the injured party will both want.

Begin gathering information

Once your insurer has been informed, you may need to gather evidence which proves your holiday let is well run. Paying particular attention to how you manage it in accordance with health and safety regulations. This evidence could include maintenance schedules, proof of adherence with legislation, updated risk assessments. Gather these, together with anything else that may be relevant. By displaying that your property and grounds are safe and well maintained will demonstrate that you’ve taken reasonable precautions. Don’t be alarmed if the insurance company appoint an independent adjuster to take photos and discuss the claim with you. They are just gathering the facts, so always be open and honest with them. They’ll take the matter forward with the intention of concluding the claim on the best terms.

Forward all communication to your insurance provider

Finally, ensure that any correspondence from the injured party (or their representative) is dealt with promptly. Where possible forward it to your broker or insurance company by return of post or immediately if by email. Any delay could prejudice your position.

Whilst reading this article you’ve probably been asking yourself if you have taken all possible measures to protect visitors to your holiday home. We have many other articles on these subjects, here are links to a few which may be of interest to you:

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call. Alternatively for further information on holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

 

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Disclaimer notices

`At your own risk’ | How valid are disclaimer notices?

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Disclaimer noticesWe’ve all seen them in everyday life; ‘Park here at your own risk’, ‘Playing in this area is at your own risk’. Disclaimer notices have become an increasingly common sight for most of us. Therefore it may surprise you to find that they don’t absolve the owner from blame should something go wrong. This is equally true for your holiday home and the facilities that you provide for your guests.

Do you have one of these signs at your holiday let? Have you mentioned this sort of wording within your welcome pack? Let’s take a look at:

  • how far these go in removing or reducing your liability, and
  • what you should be doing to make sure that you’re fully covered should the worst happen.

The legal bit – is your disclaimer notice valid?

As part of the unfair terms provisions in the Consumer Rights Act 2015 it is stated that no contract term, or notice, can legally have the effect of excluding or restricting liability for death or injury caused by negligence in the course of business.

What does this mean if an accident occurs as a result of your negligence? Your disclaimer wording won’t get you off the hook in terms of blame.

What exactly does negligence mean in this context? An example may be if someone were to hurt themselves whilst playing on your trampoline. There is of course the risk of an accident happening when bouncing on any trampoline. However should the accident happen for instance because the trampoline collapsed and you hadn’t carried out any recent checks on the equipment. Your disclaimer notice will most definitely not absolve you from any liability.

When could they be valid?

If your notice clearly only applies where someone else, or a factor outside anyone’s control, is to blame, then it can be valid. An example here might be if someone were to swim in an area of the sea that is well known for having a strong rip tide. However, if thinking about your holiday cottage, the majority of elements you will have some sort of control over reducing risk, whether that’s your hot tub, children’s play equipment or a trampoline.

What should you be doing?

Regardless of whether you have a sign on display or not, your responsibility to your guests as a holiday homeowner means that it’s vital to have procedures in place. Ensure that everything your guests are using is regularly inspected and abiding by manufacturer’s and legislative guidelines.

Making sure that you work to processes and guidelines will not only mean that the chances of an accident occurring are reduced, but also ensure that you’re not seen as negligent should it still happen.

The insurance bit

Bosher’s Holiday Home Insurance policies come with £10,000,000 of Public Liability cover as standard. In the event of an accident any insurer will want to know about the steps taken to reduce the potential risk. Keeping a written record of risk assessments, inspections, maintenance and guidance for the use of your facilities is highly recommended. You’ll find more guidance on this below.

Please note this article is only an initial guide to the legal validity of disclaimer notices. For further information about your liability as a holiday let owner please seek legal advice. Alternatively give us a call if it’s an insurance matter.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how Boshers can help and support you as a holiday cottage owner, please give us a call. Alternatively for further information on holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

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Holiday homeowner liability

Improve guest safety whilst reducing holiday homeowner liability risks

Holiday home facilities – 6 steps to improve guest safety whilst reducing holiday homeowner liability risks

Holiday homeowner liabilityWhen adding additional facilites to your holiday home consideration should be given to guest safety and holiday homeowner liability risks. Tourism is an increasingly competitive marketplace; what makes someone choose your holiday home over the property down the road? What it is that differentiates you?

This level of competition has seen an increase in the facilities and products offered by holiday homes to their guests in recent times. Look back 10 years and a hot tub wasn’t such a common site. Fast forward to 2016 and it’s almost a must if looking to attract guests in some locations.

What was previously seen as an added extra is now often taken for granted as a standard element. So with holiday homes becoming packed full of features, where does your holiday homeowner liability lay and what should you be considering each time you add a new element to your let?

Step one: Think before you buy – complete a risk assessment

Before you buy a trampoline or any other additional item for your holiday home, fill out a risk assessment form. What could go wrong? What injuries could occur? Sit down and take the time to really think about every aspect of the new facility. Potential injuries, faults, and problems are just some of the things you should make a note of so that you are completely knowledgeable on the safety, use, and maintenance of your new item.

Step two: How can you minimise risk and ensure a safe experience?

Once you’ve carried out your risk assessment and created a list of potential injuries and problems, it’s time to think about how you can minimise those risks. Whether it is a safety net around a trampoline, or a step with grip out of the hot tub, these little solutions can make a huge difference in keeping your guests safe. Don’t forget, a notice stating that they are using the facility at their own risk will not resolve you from liability should an incident occur. This means that you need to actively take steps to make your new facility as safe as possible.

Step three: Adhere to all legislative and manufacturers guidelines

Legislation will apply to certain items. Hot tubs, for example, have a lot of legislation regarding maintenance. It is vital that hot tubs and similar facilities are maintained accordingly, ensuring that exposure to infection is minimised. Other facilities may also have specific legislation which you will need to research, understand, and enforce in order to comply with UK law.

Step four: Conduct regular checks and maintenance

Regular checks on your holiday letting property isn’t anything new. However, you’ll also need to do regular checks and maintenance on your new facility. The easiest way to keep this up is by creating an inspection/maintenance programme. This will help you to schedule regular checks and provide a record of any inspections made. If you won’t be carrying out the maintenance yourself, particularly when it comes to hot tubs, you’ll need to consider whether a housekeeper or other person will need training. Alternatively you may wish to engage a qualified contractor to provide the maintenance for you.

Step five: Make sure that your guests know how to use it safely

After spending time, effort, and money, on your new facilities you won’t want them to be damaged or broken. Inform your guests by leaving clear instructions for them. By communicating clear guidance means you have done as much as possible to show them how to use the facility, and it is less likely (if following all of these steps) that an injury as a result of misuse could be your fault.

Step six: Inform your insurer

The final step is to inform your insurance company about your new facilities. Make sure that you are abiding by policy conditions at all times. If in doubt about these conditions, then speak with them and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is and is not covered.

You will want peace of mind if an incident does occur. Follow the guidance above and you’ll sleep well knowing that you did your utmost to ensure the safety of your guests. Whilst you may not mitigate your holiday homeowner liability, you’ll likely to reduce your chances of being found negligent. It’s at this point that having quality holiday home insurance in place comes into its own. Your insurers will help to defend any claims for negligence and ensure that claims and expenses are paid in a timely manner.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call. Alternatively for further information on holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

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great year for uk tourism

2017 could be a great year for UK tourism

great year for uk tourismAs far as stats go 2015 was a great year for UK tourism as a whole. Many accommodation providers across the UK seeing increases in bookings and stays. The good news is that as 2016 came to a close it’s looking like it has lived up to the hype of the previous year with stats now becoming available for August.

An increase in visits made during August

According to a survey by PWC, 3.77 million people made UK based tourist visits during August last year. This was an increase of 2% on the same period last year. Whilst a 2% jump might not be enough to make many jaws hit the floor, when put into real terms it is an increase of 75,000 visitors in a thirty day period that was already a strong performer in the past calendar year.

It has been suggested that the weak pound following the ‘Brexit’ referendum vote could have had a positive impact on overseas trips made to the UK with savvy travellers trying to make the most of their money.

Visitors were spending more in August

Working on this logic you won’t be surprised to hear that there was also an increase in visitor spend during this period. The rise seen in August 2016 was 4% up on the previous year and spread across accommodation, attractions, and shopping. Not surprisingly, these UK tourism figures left many holiday homeowners and affiliated trades and services in a buoyant mood as the summer came to a close.

Larger trends: more oversees visitors arrive in past 12 months

There’s also good news when we look over a slightly longer time period; more and more overseas visitors are now flocking to the shores of the UK to enjoy a break. A 4% increase in this area has had a significant and positive impact on booking numbers and spend over the past twelve months.

It also matches a wider trend of higher levels of visits and spending across the past five years, meaning even more positive signs for holiday cottage owners.

What is the outlook for next year?

As we head into 2017, experts are predicting yet another fruitful year for those in the UK tourism industry. A survey by PWC has revealed that 45% of people expect to take more holidays in the UK next year; fantastic news for holiday homeowners potentially benefitting from those wanting and willing to take a ‘staycation’.

The survey also showed that 35% of people will be putting holidays as a priority for their spending in 2017. This provides further opportunity for the UK tourism industry to make the most of domestic visitors.

Some uncertainties

The success of 2017 may be impacted, positively or negatively, by the run up to the UK leaving the EU; and the value of the pound. More people are expected to favour staycations, as the research by PWC substantiates. So this year could easily surpass the success of 2016.

If the value of the pound stays the same, or falls further, Brits will find travelling abroad more expensive. Thus, giving a boost to UK tourism and an overall feeling of positivity within the industry. 2017 should be a great year for tourism in the UK and therefore a positive one for holiday homeowners.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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Electric vehicle charging point

Electric vehicle charging point guidance for holiday let owners

Electric vehicle charging point

How many of your guests reach your holiday cottage by car? Bet you’ve got somewhere for them to park haven’t you? For years we’ve been welcoming guests in their diesel and petrol cars and providing them with somewhere to pull up. So how long until we’re also providing an electric vehicle charging point for their new electric car?

Electric vehicles, commonly known as EVs

Electric vehicles, commonly known as EVs, are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, so installing an EV charging point at your holiday home might not be as far off as you think.

By October 2016 there were over 75,000 new EVs registered in the UK. The first half of 2016 saw sales increase by more than 30% from the same period in 2015. In short, the popularity of electric vehicles is only going up.

EVs work by using energy stored in rechargeable batteries and typically have a range of up to 100 miles, with more advanced models going further. Once they’ve done the distance, owners need to plug their car in and charge the batteries up. There are currently around 11,900 charge points in the UK (and this number is growing), so there may be a charging point near your holiday home they could use.

However, this isn’t always convenient as charging can take a while. An overnight charge on a private driveway is always going to be the first choice for any discerning EV owner.

Installing an electric vehicle charging point will attract more guests

Guests with electric vehicles are more inclined to book with a holiday let that has a charging point. A quick Google search will show you that many holiday homes are already doing it. There’re many eco-conscious guests that you could be missing out on, particularly if you’re in a rural location without a local charging point.

The charging points themselves can be freestanding or mounted on a wall or post. There are other options such as one or two sockets, and different charging speeds. Whilst EVs do have a standard plug, it is very important that an extension line hanging out of the kitchen window isn’t used! Charging points must be installed by a professional, certified installer to ensure that it is safe and suitable for use.

There are also different payment options available, so you can decide whether you want guests with EVs to pay per charge, or whether to have the charging point as a cost inclusive facility. We recommend talking to an EV charge point specialist to decide the best option for you and your guests.

Before any installation goes ahead, you will need to inform your insurance provider of your plans. As long as you’re using a certified installer and approved charging products, there should be no problems with your insurance. Informing them before you install the charger means that your policy can be appropriately amended. Installing an electric vehicle charging point without notifying your insurer could leave you without cover should anything go wrong.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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guest reviews

Holiday Letting Guest Reviews – how do you obtain and manage them?

guest reviewsHoliday homeowners will have for a long time realised the importance of guest reviews; Tripadvisor has been at the centre of where many seek guest reviews for hotel and self-catering accommodation for more than fifteen years. You’ll not be surprised to hear that 90% of guests indicate they’re influenced by what they read online.

If your holiday home has its own website you may have noticed recently that Google has now started to display guest reviews next to your cottage search listing; you’ll not only find Google reviews but also a section entitled ‘Reviews from the web’ which will cover those left on social networking sites such as Facebook.

Never have guest reviews been so easy to find, scrutinise and digest, meaning that it’s equally never been as important to ensure your cottage has the reviews it deserves.

Here are a few quick pointers on how to get more reviews, and how to handle them, whether positive or poor.

Getting guest reviews

We know they’re worth their weight in gold, but how do you actually get guests to leave you a review?

Embrace reviews within your procedures

If you leave it to your guests, the only reviews you’re likely to be left are those that have found an issue. Send a quick email as soon as they get home asking them to fill out a few questions on their experience. Remember this is taking time out of their day so it can increase response rates if you offer some sort of incentive; perhaps entering them into a competition or perhaps a discount on their return stay.

Strike while the iron is hot, and ensure the potential incentive is large enough to illicit a response, but not so large as to make it unfeasible!

Your guest book

People still like to write comments in a guest book so make sure you have a note on yours saying that you will use the comments for promotional purposes. Reviews can then be added to your own website to increase booking conversions from online visitors.

Engage on social media

A review on Facebook is worth its weight in gold; not only can it be displayed on Google, their friends will also see it too. You can run potential competitions for previous guests leaving reviews. Engaging with potential and previous guests on Facebook should form part of your customer service and booking acquisition strategies.

Responding to reviews

Once you’ve got someone to review you, it’s only polite to reply thanking them. This certainly doesn’t mean a cut and paste of the same phrase you use on everybody; take the time to make it a little more personal!

If you get a negative review, then the best thing to do is reply in a professional and polite manner. Address the problem. If there is a bigger issue ask them to contact you directly so you can resolve the issue. A bad review may make new guests hesitant, a professional response from you puts you back into a positive light. Potential guests will take a balanced view making them more inclined to book with you.

If you can, avoid responding immediately after a negative comment. It can be taken personally meaning that any response you write in that moment could inflame the situation. Tone is very difficult to detect online. If you’re unsure about what you’ve written make sure you have someone impartial to read it for you.

Making the most of reviews

If you’ve got them then make sure you show them off. Make your Tripadvisor reviews easy to access from your website and include plenty of testimonials in your site’s design.

Remember that people won’t necessarily read every page you have, or see everything you ever publish. Make sure a nice quote is tweeted, posted to Facebook and included in e-shots.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support you if you’re buying a holiday cottage to let, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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360 degree video

Promoting your holiday home with 360 degree video

360 degree videoFor a long time, holiday homeowners have faced a similar problem; how do you do the interior of your property justice with photography? How do you encapsulate the views, the local surrounds and everything outside your cottage?

Whilst you’ll all know the importance of professional photography in promoting your holiday home, how about taking it a step further?

360-degree videos are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re certainly impressing the guests…

What is 360 degree video?

For those of you not familiar with it, 360 degree video is a relatively new technology which is gaining rave reviews, particularly for its use on mobile phones. The user can simply tilt their phone in the direction they’d like to view and the scene they’re viewing will tilt in the same way, just like virtual reality.

It takes the standard photograph or video and really brings it to life. With internal photography very tricky to get right, this adds a literal extra dimension to your property.

The benefits

We’ve already mentioned that these videos are great on mobile and this is a big bonus, as that’s likely where more than 50% of your website visitors are coming from.

If your holiday cottage is in a particularly competitive tourist area the chances are that visitors are going to be looking at a number of different properties; this is a great way to make yours stand out from the crowd, and to engage with visitors beyond the traditional flicking through of images.

Also consider how you can use it seasonally; more and more holiday homes will be trying to boost bookings all year round. 360 videos, particularly of the exterior of the property and surrounding area could be just the thing to entice people in the autumn, winter and early new year. What better way to demonstrate just how magical your cottage looks when surrounded by autumn colours or covered in snow?

The final thing we would say is that early adopters always stand out; whilst some have adopted this technology in the tourist sector, it’s far from common so if you’re looking to stand out in a crowd there’s no better time than now.

Your options

There are a few ways to create a 360 degree video of your holiday home. Whilst they have their pros and cons, you’ll not be surprised to hear that the more expensive option will see your life being easy, and the cheaper route is going to be harder, time consuming and perhaps a little tedious unless you’re technically minded.

  1. Stitching panoramics

If you’re feeling creative, the first option is for the budding DIY enthusiast.

You’ll need to set up your camera in the center of the room (make sure you use a tripod to eliminate wobbles) and take panoramic shots from one end of the room to another. Upload the images to your computer and stitch them together using video software (available from the internet). If you’re using a PC, Windows Movie Maker will do the job.

You’ll then be able to upload this video to YouTube or your website as a standard video.

Please note viewers will not have any control of moving left/right/up/down.

  1. 360 Degree cameras

Option number 2 can be pricey, but the end product is interactive and will most likely look a lot cleaner. YouTube have recently added a 360 degree video option, but only 3 cameras are compatible with it. These are the Ricoh Theta S (£299.99), Kodak SP360 (£384.99), and IC Real Tech ALLie (£503). With these cameras you just have to set them up in the middle of the room and hit record. It will then film 360 degrees around the room seamlessly.

Once you’ve done your filming, simply upload to your computer and follow YouTube’s instructions here.

When the video has been correctly uploaded (it can take up to an hour), you will notice that there is a pan button in the top left of the video. Viewers can use this button or the arrow keys on their keyboard to rotate the camera and view different areas.

3. Use a professional to create your 360 degree video

3D Property VideosAs with everything, you get what you pay for so if you’re looking to really promote the quality of your holiday home using a professional is likely to be the preferred route, albeit at a cost. You’ll have to weigh up the return that you are likely to receive in increased bookings in return for your investment in a 360 degree video. If you use a holiday letting agent to promote your holiday home speak to them about your options, they may well have a solution.

One video professional whose work that has caught our eye recently is Luke Power of Property Videos who is using the latest Virtual Reality (VR) technology to create truly immersive property tours like this one of a stunning 6 bedroom holiday home in Cornwall (click the link and scroll down to explore the 3D interactive tour). .

Holiday Home Security

Whilst promoting your holiday home with a 360 degree high definition video will no doubt help you attract more bookings, we must consider the fact that opening your home up for all to see could potentially attract the wrong attention. Whilst burglaries are relatively few and far between it pays to consider your holiday home security.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

For further information on UK holiday home insurance visit the website page most relevant to you:

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Holiday Let Changeovers

Holiday Let Changeovers – a good time to make additional checks!

Holiday Let ChangeoversDuring the busy summer months, it’s common to have a small time frame for your holiday let changeovers between guests. With time at a premium it’s important for you to still check your holiday home to ensure it is safe, suitable for guests, and looking lovely.

Catching problems or faults early can prevent potential accidents and save you money in the long run. Here’re a few items you or your housekeeping should be checking during holiday let changeovers.

Checking around your cottage

Start with the outside of the property. Make sure that the pathways are clear and free of slip hazards such as algae or moss (particularly prevalent during rainy periods). It is also a good idea to check driveways and parking areas for the same issues. For tips on removing moss and algae check out our blog post on the subject:

During the winter months, there’s bound to be a collection of leaves and other bits clogging up your guttering. Ensure that they are cleared to avoid any blockages and overflowing water (this is often the main cause of water damage to cottages).

Have you updated your key safe combination?

Holiday cottages can often become targets for opportunistic thieves, particularly during the summer months when they know visitors will often be away from the property during the day.  If you have a key safe, it is recommended that you change the code between guests. For further guidance on the use of key safes check out these blog posts:

Whilst you are changing the code, have a quick look and see if there is any damage; in the event that the key safe is compromised find other ways for you to provide your guests with keys while a replacement is sought.

Checks to be made inside your cottage

Inside the property there are many things you will need to check. Ensure that all furniture and furnishings are suitable for use and live up to customer expectations and standards.

Now is also a good time to see if there is any general maintenance that will need to be carried out. Keep an eye out for peeling wallpaper, walls that need repainting, or tired looking soft furnishings. Make a note of wobbly taps, dodgy door knobs, and tricky locks.

It is also vital that you test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms are a legal requirement, and regular testing means you are keeping your guests safe.

Visual checks and Portable Alliance Testing (PAT) are important in ensuring that all your electrical appliances are fit for use. Whilst PAT is not a legal requirement, it is good practice and a prerequisite of many of the tourism accommodation quality assured schemes. Regular visual checks in between annual PAT tests are advisable, take a look at the leads and plugs on all electrical items. This includes lamps, kettles, TVs and everything else! Keep an eye out for breaks or cuts in wires and any other damage. Remove defective appliances and replace them as necessary.

Don’t forget to test and check your battery powered devices such as TV and DVD remotes.

How about that hot tub and garden furniture?

If you do have a hot tub for guests, then it’s important you have the relevant health and safety checks in place. You can find out more in our blog post here:

Garden furniture will obviously be popular during the summer so make sure it’s still sturdy and in fine condition. Once autumn and winter arrive ensure it’s stored away, and this also applies to periods of inclement weather.

Other bits and pieces

This is also a good time to make sure your property is clean and hygienic. Make sure that there isn’t any food left in the fridge from the previous guests, the bins are empty, and beds are clean and fresh.

Before you leave the property and the next group of guests enjoy your home, have a final check of external doors and windows. Any unsecured entrances are an invitation to thieves! Make a note of any wear and tear that could become a problem in the future.

Getting into the habit of carrying out these checks during your holiday let changeovers is not only necessary for safety, it shows a high level of care for your guests.

Keep a list

There is plenty to think about so if you’re unable to get to the property, make sure you ask your cleaner or whoever is responsible for the changeover process to complete a tick sheet of items so you’re able to maintain consistency and ensure every item on the list is checked.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

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