A round-up of today's other stories in brief

SSIA provider warns on risk to top-ups

Special Savings Incentive Account (SSIA) holders risk losing the benefit of the 25 per cent Government top-up on their savings by failing to return their maturity declaration forms on time, according to SSIA provider Quinn Life.

SSIA holders must fill and sign the SSIA 4 Revenue Commissioners form sent to them by their SSIA provider and return it to their SSIA provider before the maturity date in order to keep the Government bonus. The form declares that they have complied with the rules of the scheme.

Quinn Life said 92 per cent of its May maturity declarations and 58 per cent of its June maturity declarations had already been returned.

"However, this leaves quite a number of people who are running the risk of losing out by not getting their SSIA 4 form back in time," said Siobhán Gannon, Quinn Life general manager.

"SSIA holders should return the form as soon as possible otherwise there is a possibility of forgetting to send it and losing out on a potentially large amount of money."

AIG offers new insurance benefits

AIG Europe (Ireland) has introduced a new personal accident and travel insurance product for business customers that provides unlimited overseas medical expenses and removes some typical travel policy exclusions.

AIG's Lifeline Plus policy will cover customers in war situations, for pregnancy and childbirth or for alcohol-related illnesses.

It also includes a second opinion medical service for employees and their families, which allows them to obtain a second opinion on a diagnosis given by their specialist medical consultant.

Fergus Carolan, accident and health manager at AIG Europe (Ireland), said far too many restrictions had been placed on personal accident and business travel policies in the past.

EBS publishes home DIY guide

EBS Building Society has launched a practical and financial guide to DIY for people renovating or extending their home.

The guide, written by Frank Dillon, covers the rationale for extending versus moving, ways of financing the project, seeking planning permission, dealing with architects and builders, managing the project yourself and design matters.

"With the continuing strength of the property market, many of our members are maximising the potential of their current homes rather than moving on to another property," said EBS head of mortgages Dara Deering.

Free copies of Renovate, Develop, Extend! The How-To Guide to Add Value and Space to Your Home are available by registering at EBS branches or by calling EBS on 1850 654 321.

BHP tries to speed up home buying

BHP Insurances has launched a home insurance facility that it says will speed up the property buying process.

Policies bought through the broker firm take one day to process, which BHP says is significantly shorter than the average 10 days it takes to approve a home insurance application.

"Delays in issuing [ a home insurance policy and an indemnity letter] can set the process back by days and sometimes weeks," said Mark Phelan, managing director of BHP Insurance.

Money Show aims for SSIA holders

Over 40 companies will try to persuade SSIA holders to spend their windfalls at the Money Show exhibition in Dublin next weekend.

The exhibitors will include property investment companies, equity investment clubs and specialists in alternative investments such as gold, diamonds, art and wine.

The event takes place in the RDS in Dublin, April 22nd-23rd.