Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The insurance sectors supervisory body (ASF) has already indicated the update rates for renewals of multi-risk home insurance in the second half of 2024. The value of insured properties is expected to rise by 3.12% compared to the same period last year for buildings and by 3.59% for home contents. As for the Housing and Buildings Contents Index (IRHE) as a whole, the update rate should be 3.26%. Every quarter, the ASF provides information on the values to be updated for insured buildings and home contents. The figures indicated mean a return to inflation levels prior to the start of the invasion of Ukraine. ASF also forecasts a fall in construction and building repair costs of 1.09% in the 2nd quarter of 2024. Multi-risk insurers automatically update the insured capital , unless the insured decides not to, i.e. if they do not want the update to be carried out, they must express their wish. It is important to remember that insurance with outdated capital can worsen the consequences of a claim for the insured , if the proportional rule applies , particularly in cases where the insured capital is lower than the cost of reconstruction or replacement with a new one. Want to know more about insurance? SUPERCASA News suggests it: Compulsory insurance for landlords and tenants and Non-life and general insurance could grow by 6.9% by 2028
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction For many people, technological evolution is still a topic that generates mistrust. However, there are more and more fans of innovation, ready to implement technological solutions in their lives that will positively change the way they access information. Home automation is an example of a new technology that is generating increasing interest in the property sector , as it has the potential to transform their daily lives, particularly in the way they relate to their homes . What is home automation? Simply put, home automation is a branch of robotics adapted to the residential environment . This technology allows you to have an intelligent home easily and at a moderate cost. Automating your home is possible through a central, integrated system that controls various aspects , such as lighting, air conditioning and even some household appliances, allowing you to control everything remotely. Different types of installation If you want to simplify and automate the way you live at home, home automation can help you with everyday tasks through different levels that can be implemented depending on your objective. Discover them. 1. Simple home automation The most basic level of home automation involves installing a system through which you can control individual appliances and equipment, such as a remote control to control electrical sockets or the lighting in the house 2. Small home automation solutions You can also opt for a set of devices that work as a whole. This solution implies that there are different devices in each room of the house, capable of communicating with each other to execute small commands given by you. 3. Integrated home automation The most advanced level presupposes that all the solutions are interconnected and communicate with each other, such as lighting, blinds, air conditioning and the security system. The aim at this level is for everything to be controlled and personalised remotely, via an interface such as your mobile phone. To include these solutions in your home, there are simpler systems that require concrete action, and more advanced systems that include sensors capable of interpreting data and reacting autonomously in real time. There are many situations in which home automation can help you, such as: - Air conditioning; - Automating small household appliances such as coffee makers, hoovers, etc; - Lighting - Sound system; - Security - Communication. Are you interested in this type of technology? Discover the smartest homes on the market at SUPERCASA !
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Having insurance is important for a number of reasons, which may vary according to the individual needs of each person, whether they own or rent a property. The main reasons relate to financial protection, since the main purpose of this type of contract is to provide financial protection against unexpected losses and adverse events . These include property damage, medical expenses, civil liability and much more, depending on the insurance you take out for yourself. However, having insurance goes far beyond financial protection and is even a legal obligation . Car insurance, for example, and home insurance are required by law. So, whether youre a tenant or a homeowner, find out which taxes you should take out and safeguard your interests. In Portugal, insurance is only compulsory for rented properties that are not part of the Affordable Rent Programme. Compulsory insurance not included in the Affordable Rent Programme Although there is no specific legislation requiring landlords to have home insurance when renting a property, it is highly recommended that they consider it in order to protect themselves against possible unforeseen circumstances. However, there is one that should not be missed: fire insurance. According to Article 1429 of the Civil Code, all buildings under horizontal property must have fire insurance in one of the following forms: Fire and Natural Hazards Integrated into multi-risk insurance According to the law, this is an insurance that must cover the autonomous fraction and the common areas of the building, such as the garage, lifts or stairs. It is compulsory insurance to be taken out by the owner of the property, while insurance for the common areas is the responsibility of the condominium. In this situation, you can opt, instead of fire insurance, for insurance that protects the autonomous fractions and the common areas of the building , taken out by the condominium, in the case where a building is divided into independent fractions, registered separately. Compulsory insurance as part of the Affordable Rent Programme If your property is part of the Rental Support Programme (PAA) , you can expect three additional compulsory insurances , which you should take out. The aim is for them to protect the interests of both landlords and tenants , as provided for in Decree-Law No. 69/2019 of 22 May. These are Insurance for non-payment of rent Insurance for involuntary loss of income Insurance for damage to the property Insurance taken out by the landlord If you are a landlord, you should take out insurance for non-payment of rent, while the rest is the responsibility of the tenant. This is compulsory insurance under the PAA (Affordable Rent Programme), which is used to cover possible non-payment of rent by the tenant, and which the landlord can activate to ensure that he doesnt lose out. Insurance taken out by the tenant If you are a tenant, here are the compulsory insurances you must take out under the PAA: insurance for involuntary loss of income and insurance for damage to the property. The former can be taken out in the event that a tenant has an unforeseen drop in income and is unable to meet their expenses and responsibilities to the landlord, leading to eviction proceedings. Other situations: in the event of the death of the person responsible for the households financial obligations, in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity, with a medical certificate, or if one of the tenants becomes involuntarily unemployed. In the case of insurance for damage to the property, both the tenant and the landlord are safeguarded , as it covers any damage that may occur to the property, subject to a valid justification. Wed like to remind you that one of the most popular, optional but important types of insurance is multi-risk insurance, which covers your property and its contents against catastrophes or theft, depending on the policy you take out. If you want to know more about this topic, read: Storm damage: find out if your insurance covers it and Home insurance: which one should I choose?
Fonte: Freepik Autor: Redação In this article, we give you some tips on home insurance, so you can make a choice that suits you. What is it? Home insurance is insurance that covers damage to the property and its contents. It must be taken out by the owner of the property in order to cover all risks and is usually taken care of when you are in the process of buying a house , as it is at this time that banks usually indicate that it is necessary to take out insurance. Thus, it is usually subscribed when the property is purchased, from banks or insurance companies . If you want to take out a mortgage , you should know that life insurance is required by the bank, although it is not mandatory by law. So, if something happens to you, with this insurance the property is paid (in full or in part) and in possession of one of your relatives. It usually covers the risk of death or disability, and the bank usually also suggests multi-risk insurance to protect your property. If you have not taken out a mortgage, you also have two options: 1. Fire Risk Insurance , which is mandatory by law (according to article 1429 of the Civil Code), and applies to buildings under horizontal property regime. As the name implies, this insurance can cover damage caused to the building, to the fraction itself or to other fractions, due to risks such as natural phenomena. If you live in a flat, you can complement this insurance by purchasing individual multi-risk insurance to protect the contents of the property. 2. Multi-risk insurance , which is a much more comprehensive insurance, and which includes, in addition to other coverages, protection against fire risk. Please note that, depending on the insurer, coverages may vary for each specific offer, and you may need to request additional coverages. The most common coverages covered by Multi-Risk Insurance are: fire, explosions, lightning strikes and landslides; seismic and natural hazards; theft or robbery; repair of electrical equipment; water damage (flooding, plumbing, sewage); civil and family liability; repair and maintenance of household services; replacement of locks and keys; cover for electrical risks; temporary deprivation of use of the dwelling. Examples of other additional (optional) coverages: domestic animals; electronic equipment; direct family protection; aesthetic damage; breakage and fall of solar panels. In addition to choosing from a wide range of coverages, you can also take out joint (property + contents) or separate multi-risk insurance. Identify your needs Once youve decided which insurance and cover is right for you, start by assessing your needs. Keep in mind that there are some aspects that will influence the value of the policy. Heres a list that you can take into account when choosing insurance: Compulsory covers Optional/additional covers Multi-risk insurance: joint or separate Insured capital: property and/or contents Valuables to be included Location of the property Construction of the property Periodicity of insurance payment Insurance excess Compulsory, additional and/or optional coverages Check with the different insurers which coverages are included in each plan, and which ones you may have to take out additionally, as the value of the policy may be higher. Multi-risk insurance: joint or separate Also consider your situation: are you living in a flat or a house? If you are living in a flat, you can take out multi-risk insurance for the contents in addition to the compulsory fire risk insurance. If, on the other hand, you live in a house, you can choose to take out joint (property + contents) or separate multi-risk insurance. Joint insurance (property + contents) is ideal if you want a wider coverage that extends not only to the property , but to all your possessions, including the most valuable ones. This can be a good option if you live in an area prone to natural disasters, for example, as you can rest assured that both your home and your possessions will be protected. Separate insurance works well for situations where you already have another insurance policy that covers the risks of the property, and you only need to complement it, for example, with a contents insurance policy. There are other factors that may influence the price of the policy, such as: 1. Capital sum insured: how is it defined? Another important point to consider when choosing insurance is the sum insured. The sum insured is always set by the person who takes out the insurance , i.e. the policyholder, and is the maximum amount that the insurer will compensate in the event of a claim. It is calculated in relation to the characteristics of the property , since the insurance provider will only compensate you for the market value of the property. Therefore, avoid indicating values higher than the reconstruction of the property. As regards the contents of the property, the insured capital is the replacement value of the goods that make up the contents of the property. 2. Valuables to be included Since the amount of the sum insured is given by you to the insurer, identify in detail all the goods, including the most valuable and rarest you may have , documenting them by photograph, and also keep a record in a document that you can update. Validate with the insurer and ask for clarification of any questions you may have in this regard. 3. Location of the property This is one of the factors that will also weigh on the price of the policy you choose, as there are areas of the country more prone to natural disasters , and you may need insurance that provides better protection against theft, fire, floods, among others, according to the factors to which you are exposed in the place where you live. 4. Construction of the property The type of construction materials of the house will have an impact on the value of the simulation: concrete, for example, will be different from wood for the purposes of insurance simulation. The year in which the house was built also counts: the older it is, the higher the amount payable. 5. Insurance payment and excess The excess is the amount you will have to pay in the event of a claim . It is usually a fixed amount. If the damage totals less than the excess, the insured will have to pay this amount, as the insurer will only pay more than the excess. You will have to pay attention to the payment modalities presented by the insurers: monthly, quarterly, annual, and choose the one that best suits your case. 6. Policy premium: what to look out for With regard to the premium, you should take into account three important points: insurers are free to set their own rates. This means that the premium will always be calculated on the basis of the characteristics of the property and its contents, and is directly related to the insured capital. Thus, the higher the value of the insured capital, the higher the premium to be paid. 7. Simulate with several insurers You should understand what offers are available, making sure that the coverage offered in each one is in line with what you need and also take into account the conditions of the policies, more specifically their limitations and exclusions, as some may not include coverage for some risks. The policy premium and the insurer you choose are also important variables. This premium may vary depending on several conditions, which you should compare and analyse in detail. Thus, a policy should be chosen based on the comparison between the amount you will pay and the degree of coverage. In addition, the insurer providing the policy should also be assessed, either by its customer service record or by the settlement of policies. 8. Negotiate all values Evaluate all the offers from the various insurers: which covers are included and which are optional; check the capital sum insured and the premium amounts. Only compare identical offers, i.e. with the same cover. Negotiate all the values with the insurers to ensure value for money , with the best cover and the best premium. Based on the information you have analysed, make an informed choice regarding home insurance, i.e. whether you want to take out only the insurance required by law (fire risk) or whether you prefer a more comprehensive insurance that covers more risks: multi-risk. Also check all the factors that can influence the price of the policy, such as the location and construction of the property, the insured capital and the valuables to be included, and keep in mind that if you live in an area prone to flooding, or in an area with a high risk of fire, it may be of great importance to take out multi-risk insurance to protect your property and contents. More interested in insurance? Read this news: Storm damage: Find out if your insurance covers it , Multi-risk home insurance: Find out what your home is covered for
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The alert for rental scams was raised by the Attorney Generals Office (PGR), following a high registration of this type of crime, which has mainly affected students, foreign citizens and holiday home rentals. Its expansion has gained relevance in recent weeks , according to the guardianship, so the alert is left to those looking for properties on social networks and legitimate e-commerce operators. Published mainly on social networks , these fraudulent ads present properties available for rent, at a lower value than properties in a similar category, and with very appealing photographs that lead interested parties to be deceived. The scam takes place as follows: interested parties respond to the advert and are contacted by those responsible, generally through Whatsapp, and always by written messages. The PGR explains: The criminal agent (supposed landlord) always states that the property is available immediately, but never shows himself available for it to be visited - he always claims to be abroad and, often, to be a foreign citizen, not being able to come to Portugal. There is often a fraudulent narrative that the landlord has left Portugal for work-related reasons . This happens mainly in order to provide an advance booking for the property, demanding payment from the victims. All this is intended to create the expectation, in the victim, that he has found a house to rent and, for that reason, to proceed with the advance payment of amounts that are requested. , since after paying the supposed reservation to visit the property, it becomes practically impossible to identify the holder, being a criminal act of fraud. The PGR concludes and warns: This criminal phenomenon is developed by professional and organised groups, which have the exclusive purpose of swindling. In many cases, fake invoices and messages are even issued, as if they were from reference platforms, and the use of prepaid telephone numbers, fake profiles on social networks and forged email addresses are some of the techniques used to attract victims. Thus, the PGR asks that online property ads be carefully evaluated, as well as the possible profiles of their authors, especially when all contacts are made by digital means. Follow also: Rents in Portugal continue to rise , Safe house: Learn how to protect yourself against cybercrime
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Businesses continue to drive digital transformation , expanding their operations to find innovative ways to connect with customers, such as the ability to permanently adopt a remote working strategy. Cloud adoption is helping to drive this evolution. But while cloud adoption offers numerous benefits to businesses, it also introduces challenges that security teams must recognise and manage. The Cloud Security 2023 report , conducted by Cybersecurity Insiders and sponsored by Fortinet, sent in a statement to the SUPERCASA Notícias newsroom, surveyed 752 cybersecurity professionals from around the world, including Portugal, and across industries to understand what key priorities and challenges must be addressed to leverage cloud success. Rising costs, compliance requirements, hybrid and multi-cloud complexities, reduced visibility and shortages of skilled professionals are causing organisations to slow down or adjust their cloud adoption strategies. And, unsurprisingly, cloud security concerns remain a critical barrier. Yet despite these challenges, the outlook for cloud adoption remains positive. And to protect cloud-based digital objectives, security budgets are set to increase for most enterprises this year. Security leaders are prioritising budgets to address the key security concerns that are holding back cloud adoption. Public cloud continues to deliver many crucial benefits for businesses. Respondents agree that their respective organisations have experienced increased flexibility and scalability (53%), greater agility (45%), improved availability and business continuity (44%), and accelerated deployment and provisioning (41%) because they have adopted the cloud. As a result, organisations are seeing improved business outcomes, such as greater responsiveness to customer needs. Despite a levelling off in cloud adoption compared to last years report, the pace at which organisations are moving workloads to the cloud is holding steady. Almost 40% of respondents said they already have more than half of their workloads in the cloud, and 58% expect to reach that level in the next 12 to 18 months. As organisations continue to embrace the cloud and its many benefits, nearly all organisations say they are between moderately to extremely concerned about cloud security. And 43% believe more significant risks are associated with using the public cloud versus an on-prem environment. Cybersecurity professionals face a number of challenges when it comes to effectively protecting cloud workloads. The shortage of skilled professionals tops the list of concerns hindering cloud adoption for the second year in a row, in addition to other security-related concerns including meeting compliance requirements, gaining visibility into cloud environments and implementing consistent security policies. Follow more topics in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction In a statement to SUPERCASA Notícias , Securitas Direct shared some tips to ensure that your home does not experience intrusion attempts during the Easter holidays, stating that the combination of physical elements with electronic elements allows to prevent possible risks. Due to the traditional Easter holidays, there are many Portuguese who take the opportunity to travel or visit family in other parts of the country and, this prolonged absence, can lead to the planning of an intrusion. Check out the ten tips so you can go on holiday without worries: 1. Ensure that windows and doors are fully closed. Even interior doors can be closed, to make it difficult for intruders to work. You can also reinforce the windows with a nail between the panels. 2. Check the locks on doors and windows. If the locks are locked, they shall be difficult to open. 3. Store the most valuable items in a safe or in more difficult places of access. 4. Ensure that calls to your phone are answered by forwarding calls to the mobile phone. The constant ringing of the phone and the lack of response can indicate to possible intruders their absence. 5. Maintain the appearance that the house is inhabited, leaving, for example, something on a clothesline or the blinds raised in some rooms. 6. Create the illusion that there is someone at home, through Domotica. Install a device that turns on the lights and radio automatically to create this illusion. 7. Inform a neighbour, a family member or a trusted friend who may go sometimes to check that the house remains safe. 8. Do not post on social networks anything relating to their absence , so as not to inform possible thieves of their absence. 9. Invest in a video surveillance system that you can access via your mobile phone. This way you can keep your home permanently under surveillance while you are away. 10. Ensure that your alarm and video surveillance system is fully operational. You can go on a restful holiday, writing down the tips we left for you, and about Easter see also: Easter Holidays: Know the best destinations in Portugal
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction With climate change, the truth is that natural disasters are on the agenda, especially with the occurrence of heavy rainfall recorded throughout the country. In fact, this situation has already caused several damages, and the yellow alert remains in force for all municipalities in the country during, at least, today. In a country not used to this kind of bad weather, the news of the last days increase the concern of property owners - businesses and individuals - regarding what to do in this situation. Therefore, SUPERCASA Notícias has gathered for you a set of questions and answers that may help you understand in which cases you may activate your policy against these events and if, in case of floods, earthquakes or storms, the damages caused may be recovered. What are the four recommended covers in home insurance? 1. Fire, lightning or explosion policy In case of the occurrence of these phenomena you will receive compensation for the damage caused, and this coverage is part of the basis of all policies. However, it is advisable to check if it also covers water damage, since you can benefit from it in case of burst pipes, blocked or overflowing pipes or other sewage related e1. Fire, lightning or explosion policyvents. 2. Storm, Flood, Demolition and Removal of Rubble and Earthquake Cover This is also the most suitable insurance for you, if your main goal is to protect your home against natural disasters, which may be more or less likely to happen, depending on the region where you live and whether you are, or not, more vulnerable to these occurrences. These covers are generally included in the basic covers of a multi-risk home contents policy. 3. Seismic Insurance This is optional but guarantees the payment of compensation in case of damage caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tsunamis. Normally, the value of this policy depends on the risk of occurrence of seismic activity in the place where the property is located or even on the age of the dwelling itself. For example, in areas such as the Algarve or the Azores, it is not usually easy to formalise the contracting of this cover, as these are areas classified as having a high seismic risk. 4. Insurance for the temporary deprivation of use of the dwelling. In the event of an accident covered by your insurance policy, which leaves your home uninhabitable, this cover guarantees you alternative accommodation for as long as necessary to repair the property, in addition to transporting your belongings and storing them. What does storm cover include? The cover of this insurance may vary depending on the characteristics of your policy but, in short, it should pay for damage caused by strong winds, whose speed is over 90 or 100km/h, in addition to damage caused to solid buildings within a radius of 5km of the property. However, it does not cover damage caused to shutters, conservatories, gates or fences, only if the building is totally destroyed. Can I activate flood cover or cover for damage resulting from heavy rainfall? The answer is yes, including also damage caused by the overflowing of watercourses or the bursting of dams, provided that they reach a level of at least 10 millimetres more within 10 minutes. Want more information about insurance? Read these news items: How to protect your property from storms and Condominium insurance: Know the coverage and advantages of this insurance
Source: Microsoft Author: Redaction Microsoft has just announced, during Ignite, the companys main business conference, new tools and features in the areas of Azure, Artificial Intelligence, Business Applications, Edge, Industry Cloud, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Security and Windows. Based on the motto Doing more with less with Microsoft Cloud, the conference runs until October 14 and brings together more than 800 free sessions, according to a statement sent to SUPERCASA News . Aiming to help organisations maximise investments in Information Technology and optimise costs in times of economic uncertainty, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlights five launches during Ignite: 1. Build agility, optimise business and create data-focused experiences with Microsoft Azure Even against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, 93% of business leaders plan to increase their cloud investments over the next three years. With a series of announcements at Ignite enabling organisations to invest more time in creating value, the extension of Azure Arc to Windows IoT devices will enable open source developers with the Smart Data Platform and new cloud programming tools for more technical workforces. 2. Deliver efficiency with automation and Artificial Intelligence in business New features in Power Automate using natural language and AI will enable organisations to unlock new business scenarios, bringing automation into key workflows and helping more employees innovate with AI. New features include Native Power Automate integration in Excel, optimisation of workflows and document processing with AI Builder Microsoft Intelligent Document Processing, language support for text recognition in 164 languages, including Portuguese. 3. Re-energising the workforce in the office, at home or in a space in between Microsoft introduces new features in Microsoft 365 and Teams to help connect employees across different schedules and work locations. The new features cover a range of functionality in Microsoft Teams, including the provision of Mesh avatars, chat scheduling, customisable channels according to organisations and the new workspace optimisation app Microsoft Places. 4. Total protection with comprehensive security Microsoft also launches new features in Microsoft Defender for Cloud to help organisations strengthen security in the cloud by expanding threat protection in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. New features include integration of Microsoft Defender for DevOps, for visibility across multiple DevOps environments; Microsoft Defender Cloud Security Posture Management, for an integrated view of cloud resources, runtime infrastructures and external attack surfaces; Microsoft cloud security benchmark, a comprehensive multicloud security framework; and new protection features in Defender for Servers. 5. Accelerate innovation with the worlds most complete cloud development platform New updates to Microsoft Power Pages, Microsofts low-code development platform, include integration of custom cascading style sheets (CSS) in Design Studio, new easily adaptable templates, new Learn Hub section with videos, documents and other resources, integration with Azure Web Application Firewall, new pay-as-you-go subscriptions, and many others.
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Considering the current situation in Portugal and the importance of digitalisation for the growth of the economy, the Digital Transformation Meeting returns to Lisbon for its fifth edition, dedicated to the theme Efficiency, Productivity and Security in document management. These three pillars are on the agenda for being part of the European Commissions roadmap of digital objectives for 2030. The event takes place on 20 October at VIP Executive Arts Hotel, in Lisbon, and is aimed at businessmen and IT professionals from all sectors, according to a communiqué sent to SUPERCASA News. The year 2022 marked not only the consolidation of the need to digitize business relations and processes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but also evidenced how far companies still have to go to adapt to the digital economy, and this is the aim of the event: to show how the digitization of organizations can accelerate this path. According to the European Commissions Digital Economy and Society Index 2022, only 54% of Europeans aged 16 to 74 have at least basic digital skills. This directly affects the efficiency of businesses. The European target is to reach at least 80% by 2030. The index also shows that the use of productivity-enhancing digital cloud computing solutions, despite reaching 34% in the last two years, is far short of the European Unions so-called Digital Decade target of 75%. This is a more pronounced impediment among SMEs, as, according to the index, only 55% have a basic level of digitalisation, while the target is for 90% of small and medium enterprises to take advantage of the opportunities generated by the digital economy. As for security, companies that are going through the digitisation process need to make sure that their connections and devices will protect not only the business, but mainly customer data. This year, the meeting will be in person and also broadcast online, and will bring these topics to debate, counting with the participation of Marco Santos, CEO of Fin-Prisma, and Savannah Bell, director of partnerships and strategic alliances at OpenBots, who will talk about the importance of robotic process automation (RPA) in a digital transformation process, Nuno Frota, CFO of Sothebys Realty Portugal, who will present the case of the companys digital transformation process, and Pedro Boavida, technical director at Securnet, who will share some stories and some outcomes of attacks or cybersecurity threats they had to manage with customers. Jorge Carvalho, solutions sales manager at Dyanix Portugal, will talk about how disruptive technologies can help this new business reality, coexisting with traditional information capture. The event will be moderated by Paulo Veiga, CEO and founder of EAD - Empresa de Arquivo de Documentação, pioneer and market leader in document management solutions and organiser of the event. For Paulo Veiga, never before has there been software so developed so that companies can maintain their core activity without losing focus. We want to follow up on this discussion and continue to give companies tools for document management that makes their processes more productive and secure.
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