Released on: June 17, 2008, 5:01 pm

Press Release Author: Emma Harvey and Wai Lang Ch

Industry: Real Estate

Press Release Summary: At a time when many homeowners face escalating costs for
other household bills such as mortgage repayments, petrol and energy, people do not
want to be surprised with additional costs

Press Release Body: A survey carried out by home emergency repair and insurance
provider Homeserve, has revealed the full extent to which unscrupulous tradespeople
will con pensioners into paying way over the odds for emergency repairs.


On average, it was found that older homeowners (55 and over) pay £382.33 more for a
simple boiler repair than people aged under 55. Even more shocking were the prices
quoted for emergency callouts to fix a boiler - £1015 compared to £632.68 for under
55\'s.

The survey suggests older customers routinely pay higher bills not only for boiler
repairs but also central heating problems, gas leaks, door or window lock
replacements and even roof repairs.


According to Homeserve, older people face a bill of £681.67 to fix their gas or
central heating in an emergency. Under 55s are quoted an average £481.75 for an
identical service - almost £200 cheaper.


The poll of 2000 homeowners also revealed approximately 80% of pensioners who
experienced a home emergency last year did not have Insurance Cover in place for the
unexpected expense.


"At a time when many homeowners face escalating costs for other household bills such
as mortgage repayments, petrol and energy, people do not want to be surprised with
additional costs,\" commented Jon Florsheim, Chief Executive of Homeserve Membership.
"We would therefore urge homeowners to ensure they have adequate cover in the event
of an emergency, whether it\'s a separate emergency policy or part of their home
insurance."


Older people are easy targets for rogue tradesmen with the number of pensioners
living alone at an all-time high. Many pensioners are forced to live on a tight
income with little to spend on home repairs.


While some argue older homeowners own larger houses and therefore have more to
repair, Homeserve statistics show charges for basic jobs like fixing a boiler or
attending to a gas leak vary wildly, particularly when you split the older people
group from the rest.


It could be a good idea, based on these facts, for over-55\'s to take out insurance
that protects them against most major emergencies that happen in the home.
Homeserve's Complete Cover includes protection against problems with heating,
plumbing, drainage, water and gas supply pipe, electrics, locks, pest contamination,
roofing, glazing, and more. This means that customers are guaranteed a qualified
tradesman when a repair is needed - for a set annual fee.

Web Site: http://www.homeserve.com

Contact Details:
Survey conducted by ICM Research. This press release has been written by Emma Harvey
and Wai Lang Chu for Homeserve.com, specialists in home repairs and insurance.