No_2_1955 — Page 47

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND INSURANCE

(Report of an interview with an "Insurance Manager" in Hong Kong).

The construction of a building in- jacent buildings as frequently they obvious, and generally speaking the volves so many considerations that may prejudice the rate to be charg- buildings here are well constructed It is understandable that the insured on a newly erected building un- from this point of view. However, it ance angle is either overlooked or less separated therefrom by a Perfect might be pointed out that storage in not regarded as particularly impor- Party Wall which would have to the water front godowns carries a tant. However, where large values comply with stated requirements. lower rate when the floor is on a are involved it certainly deserves careful attention as frequently, with

platform raised a few inches. little or no extra cost. considerable saving in insurance premium can be

effected which has a cumulative effect over the years. It is the pur- pose of this article to suggest that in the Insurer should be consulted the planning stages in order to en- sure that the lowest possible rate will be charged and to obviate the necessity for subsequent modifica- tion.

The regulations with regard to Fire Resisting Construction are very

Earthquake damage in Hong Kong stringent and must be complied with is not anticipated but in the Philip- implicitly if the discount is to be pines and Japan it is of frequent obtained. They vary slightly accord-

occurrence and forms a separate ing to the occupation for which the

A problem for Insurers. premises will be used, but full details constructed to resist fire will not building are available on application. An ad-

necessarily resist Earthquake Shock ditional advantage of this construc- damage, and therefore a completely tion is that the various floors can be different approach to rating has to rated separately providing of course be applied to this type of insurance. that they do not communicate except Generally speaking a compact build- as permitted with adequate protec- ing of any homogeneous construc- With regard to the Fire Insurance tion: it follows therefore that if Air tion, provided it is well braced and aspect. residential premises do not Conditioning is installed this condi- bonded, is superior to a rambling present any particular problem un- tion would not obtain.

concrete building or less they are intended to qualify for

a building of If it is unavoidable that buildings mixed construction which is natural- Fire Resisting Construction dis- count, with which we will deal se- hazardous and non-hazardous pur- strains.

sections thereof) occupied for ly subject to varying stresses and parately. But premises used for storage or industrial purposes may

or communicate, poses must adjoin

When considering the insurance re- contain varying degrees of hazard, Separate rating can be obtained by quirements on the building proper. and it is obvious that an economy in the use of Double Fire Proof Doors. It is as well to remember the ancill- premium payable can be effected if provided that the building or build-

ary classes such as Public Liability the sections can be so segregated ings are of the required construction. and Workmen's Compensation. With that the high rate applicable to that Another insurance aspect which regard to Government contracts, it which is hazardous does not affect should be considered in Hong Kong is sometimes possible to obtain the others. Also in some instances is the Typhoon hazard. The only Contract Bond which may be found consideration should be given to ad- considerations in this respect are to be convenient and economical.

(or

a

UNION INSURANCE SOCIETY OF CANTON, LTD.

INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG

HEAD AND REGISTERED OFFICES

UNION BUILDING,

HONG KONG

ASSETS EXCEED £16,000,000.

ESTABLISHED 1838.

TELEGRAPHIC ADDREst "UNIBRANCH”

ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO DI

TO THE MANAGER, PHONE NO. 26081.

P. O Вол 94

Architects

Dear Sirs,

ADDRESSED

Builders

Contractors

HONG KONG.

We suggest that you consult us concerning your requirements for any of the following types of insurance:-

Fire, Earthquake and Typhoon

Workmen's Compensation

Public Liability

Contract Bonds

Marine

Motor Car

45

Yours faithfully,

L.P. RALPH

Manager.