Local MP pushes insurance companies to ‘do better’ for Armed Forces personnel

Alistair Strathern, Labour MP for Hitchin has written to major home insurance providers, calling on them to reform policies that disadvantage single armed forces personnel.

Following a visit to a Warsaw military base, Strathern heard from UK service personnel that their overseas deployments often lead to significant increases in home insurance premiums, as a result of their home being left vacant while they are abroad.

While these insurers are signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, which pledges the company believe personnel should not be disadvantaged by their service, this issue highlights a serious gap in its implementation.

The intervention comes ahead of the Labour Government strengthening the Covenant by enshrining it in law.

Commenting Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Having seen firsthand the nature of the deployments and sacrifice our service personnel make; I am concerned that they are being let down.

“Noone should be disadvantaged because of their service, but hikes in home insurance premiums because you’re being posted abroad feels completely unjust.

“Insurance companies have signed the Covenant pledging to ensure service members are treated fairly, it’s only right insurers live up to this and make sure their policies align.”