July 2007 Press Releases
Lloyds TSB announces help for customers affected by flooding (27th July)
Lloyds TSB Insurance warns of second wave of floods (20th July)
Young drivers stuck in the green motoring slow lane (5th July)Lloyds TSB announces help for customers affected by flooding (27th July)
In the wake of the devastating floods around the country, Lloyds TSB is today announcing a wide ranging package of measures to help customers during and beyond the current crisis. Recognising that the impact of the floods will be felt for many months, Lloyds TSB has focused on providing a number of practical and financial measures to give customers more flexibility and ease the pressure on the family budget at this difficult time.Ian
Larkin, Managing Director of Consumer Banking, said: "Listening to our customers, it’s become clear to us that they are suffering from the floods in all sorts of ways. We are now offering practical help to our customers in the affected areas, around their insurance and other finances, so that they can get on with rebuilding their lives as quickly as possible."From today, customers impacted by the floods who are experiencing financial pressure as a result will be offered support in the following areas;For customers insured with us…We are making emergency payments directly into customers’ accounts to help them secure emergency accommodation and to buy immediate essentialsWe are proactively contacting our customers in the worst affected areas to provide assistance and advice on how to minimise damage to their properties and possessionsWe have launched a new consumer advice website,www.helpimflooded.co.uk, to help homeowners deal with the impact and aftermath of a flood and importantly, secure their property and personal safety.For customers insured with us we have launched a dedicated Floods Claims Helpline – 0845 3 009 088 For customers who have a mortgage or loan with us...
- We are offering C&G mortgage customers a repayment break of up to three months1
- We are also offering further mortgage advances free of further advance and valuation fees, to help with the cost of essential repairs and to help deal with acute financial pressures
- We are also able to offer mortgage term extensions or switch customers from repayment to interest only to help reduce monthly payments
- Customers with a personal loan can request a repayment break of up to three months
For customers who bank with us…- Our current account customers can request an emergency overdraft limit increase forthree months to help with day-to-day expenses2
We are offering our credit card customers an emergency credit limit increase for three months- Recognising that many holidays will have been cancelled, where customers are unable to travel, we will immediately refund travel money orders and buy back uncollected travel money without incurring any fees or cancellation costs.
For more information on how to take advantage of these arrangements, customers should visit their nearest branch or call 24 hours a day on;0845 3 009 088 for Lloyds TSB Insurance0800 587 7000 for all other enquires For further information:Leigh Calder
Lloyds TSB Press Office
Tel: 020 7356 1347
leigh.calder@lloydstsb.co.uk
www.mediacentre.lloydstsb.co.uk Notes to editors:1 interest will continue to be applied2 overdraft extension does not apply to the ‘Cash’ account where no overdraft facility is available*you can also view the above article via PDFPress Release 27 July 2007Back to Top
Lloyds TSB Insurance warns of second wave of floods (20th July)
Flood risk amplified as scores of families leave homes empty as school holidays beginWith more extreme rainfall predicted across the UK, on one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, Lloyds TSB insurance offers the following advice for families locking up their homes for the summer break.The largest provider of home insurance in the country is bracing itself for a second round of major insurance claims as six flood warnings are put in place and rainfall totals of up to 100mm are expected in parts of the UK.Lloyds TSB Insurance is urging all of its customers, in particular those leaving for their annual summer break, to take action now to prepare themselves for the possibility of flooding.In the wake of the recent disaster, Lloyds TSB has launched a new consumer advice website, The website is an invaluable source of advice and information to help homeowners prepare for an imminent flood, deal with the impact and aftermath and importantly, secure their property and personal safety. With one month’s rainfall predicted to fall in just one day in certain parts of the country, the advice given on flash flooding will be of particular relevance.Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance, says, "The UK is bracing itself for a second wave of flooding and with many people leaving to go on holiday this weekend it’s important they are prepared should the worst happen while they are away. We are concerned about the impact on unattended homes and so thinking ahead and implementing a plan can help reduce the risks can help homeowners minimise any potential disruption."The insurer has issued the following advice specifically for those leaving to go on holiday.- Leave a key with a trusted neighbour or a family member and ask them to check your property periodically
- Leave contact numbers with your friends and check that your mobile will operate at your holiday destination
- Take a copy of your insurance policy documents and telephone contact numbers away with you
- Move any valuable or sentimental items upstairs or into the loft if possible - don’t forget to check the garage
- Take special care to ensure all windows and doors are fully secured
In addition, home owners remaining in the country will benefit from the following advice. 1. Move all lightweight electrical items upstairs or above ground level if you live in single storey accommodation2. If possible, roll up carpets and move them upstairs3. Remove all rugs, curtains and easily transferable furniture to the first storey – if you cannot remove curtains, hang them over the rail above the level of any potential flood water4. Heavier electrical items (e.g. fridges and freezers) that cannot be moved above ground level should be raised on bricks or blocks if possible5. Place all valuables in a watertight container in a secure place, preferable above ground level Remember, even adequate insurance cover cannot replace items of sentimental value6. Give consideration to your motor vehicles – can you take them quickly to higher ground should a flood affect your area. You may wish to consider moving them for as long as the threat persists. Remember, many motor vehicles left on the street can be completely destroyed during severe floods7. In the event of water entering your premises, unplug all electrical appliances and turn off the electricity supply to minimise the risk of electrical shocks. Also turn off any gas supply8. Put sink plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy to prevent back flushing9. Blocked drains and gutters will prevent flood water from receding – keep them clear of leaves and debris at all times10. Ensure you make adequate provision for pets and keep them inside if the risk of flooding is imminent11. Check on your neighbours – particularly the elderly or infirm – as they may need assistance12. Backup and move your computer above ground level – family photos and important files are irreplaceable13. Pass your mobile phone number to your insurance company. In the event of a severe flood landlines may not be operational and it’s important that your insurer is able to contact you14. Remember to check your garden – dustbins, garden furniture etc should be stored securely. Weigh down any manhole covers to prevent them floating away and posing a major hazard.
*you can also view the above article via PDFPress Release 20 July 2007Back to Top
Young drivers stuck in the green motoring slow lane (5th July)
Britain’s young drivers are turning a blind eye to global warming, as seven out of ten motorists under 30 admit they don’t consider environmental factors when buying a car, according to new research from Lloyds TSB personal loans.Although green issues top the political agenda, the findings reveal that the purchasing priorities of today’s young motorists are not keeping up with the times. The majority of young drivers are looking at more superficial factors, such as condition (79 per cent), make or brand (60 per cent) and colour (24 per cent) in their choice of car. Even those that do opt to go green aren’t doing so for genuine reasons, as one in seven admits their main motivation is to impress friends and family.One in six young motorists admits that environmental issues are simply not important to them. A further six out of ten cite a lack of guidance on green motoring as the main reason for their apathy. Indeed, the findings highlight an absence of green motoring knowledge amongst young drivers, as over 75 per cent admit they have no idea about the fuel economy rating of their current vehicle. In fact, one in five young motorists questioned did not even know that a fuel economy rating system exists.To help uninformed drivers, motoring expert Quentin Willson has joined forces with Lloyds TSB personal loans to create aUsed Car Buyers Guide podcast, containing information on going green behind the wheel.Quentin Willson comments: "In the car buying world green is definitely the new black, but young drivers are proving slow to catch on to the trend. There are many who want to be seen to be green, but more often than not style wins over substance for those choosing a new car. It is clear that green motoring is not a short lived craze, so young drivers would be wise to pay more attention to buying more environmentally friendly motors."However, the research does uncover some positive trends. Under 18’s appear to be championing environmental issues, as one in ten parents admit that pester power from their kids is forcing them to go green. At the other end of the age spectrum, more than two thirds (67 per cent) of over 50’s rate a vehicle’s environmental credentials as a top priority, with almost three quarters (73%) feeling responsible for the planet’s future. Similarly eight out of ten (80 per cent) of older drivers would be prepared to drive a smaller, less prestigious car, if it was better for the environment.Ian Dean, Lloyds TSB consumer lending, said: "Green motoring should not be dismissed as a passing fad. Behind a home, a car is the second biggest investment we make and opting for a car with strong green credentials is a wise long term purchase as environmental factors will become a greater priority for buyers. We are seeing increasing numbers of customers enquiring about green vehicles and in the future we can expect to see more incentives for owners of environmentally friendly vehicles such as road charging exemptions, free parking in major cities and good second-hand values when the time comes to sell."The LloydsTSB Used Car Buyers Guideodcast contains information on everything from choosing environmentally friendly fuel types through to buying a car online. The guide is available to download free of charge in both podcast or PDF formats at www.lloydstsb.com/loans Notes to editors:• Case studies available: Mark Winters who has recently purchased a bio-fuel vehicle• Research conducted by Ciao amongst 1000 UK motorists in June 2007
For more information:Amanda Glover / Emile Abu-ShakraLloyds TSB Press OfficeTel: 020 7356 2021 / 020 7356 1878Amanda.glover@lloydstsb.co.ukwww.lloydstsb.com/loans
*you can also view the above article via PDFPress Release 05 July 2007Back to TopBack to Media Centre 