Insurance news
Avoid a frosty reception at home this winter
22 November, 2007
Frozen pipes, storm damage or broken boilers are likely to be a problem in many British homes this winter and worryingly many households are not covered for such emergencies with only 13 per cent having home emergency insurance.
Direct Line Home Response 24 is urging homeowners not to get bitten by the frost and to protect their homes against harsh weather this winter. Current forecasts by the Met Office predict that this winter is likely to be far colder than last year so it is doubly important homeowners start battening down the hatches and get prepared.
An average of 37 per cent of all household insurance claims are due to weather problems with burst pipes being the main problem.
Direct Line Home Response 24 receives 60 per cent of its claims in the colder winter months. Whilst the weather can not be controlled, there are some steps people can take to keep their homes safe this winter.
Andrew Lowe, from Direct Line Home Response 24, warned: “With recent mild winters, many of us may have forgotten the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect our homes against the freezing cold. A few quick and easy jobs undertaken now could prevent damage such as pipes bursting. However, if something does go wrong, knowing you can call on an experienced tradesperson to fix the problem within the day will provide significant peace of mind.”
Keep your house in tip top condition during the winter months:
Insulate pipes with newspaper or plastic and allow taps to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing
Know where your water valves are and learn how to shut them off in case a pipe does burst
Have your chimney swept before lighting the first fire of the winter
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