Not so friendly neighbours push insurance risk up
Published On 14 February 2007
Although there is a notion of friendly neighbours across the UK, the reality is slightly different it seems and many homeowners may be persuaded to update their home insurance policy as a result. Despite 90 per cent of Brits feeling they are good neighbours, new research by Churchill Home Insurance has revealed the facts are slightly different.
In fact, over a third of Brits feel their neighbourhood has declined in the last decade and 83 per cent admitted they would ignore a car alarm in the vicinity.
Worryingly, 72 per cent of those questioned stated that they would ignore a nearby burglar alarm going off in a property and 49 per cent commented that they did not look out for other houses in the area while their neighbours were sunning themselves abroad.
Martin Scott, Churchill Home Insurance spokesman, said: "Our research clearly shows that social trends such as longer working hours and commuting longer distances, people moving home more frequently and families enjoying more sedentary leisure activities within the home can affect the relationships that we hold with our neighbours."
However, it seems Brits also hark back to the old days of neighbourhood spirit with 55 per cent stating they wished there was more of a community feel to their street.
