Figures from the main insurance companies indicate that during the cold spell last month claims for water damage from burst pipes soared in the freezing weather.
AXA said it has received hundreds of claims with the average damage amounting to £30,000. The biggest claims have seen houses totally destroyed with costs reaching hundreds of thousands of pounds. And for the 20% of households who have no cover for contents, this could have much more serious repercussions.
More Than has reported 50% more claims than usual for the time of the year of which most were due to the cold weather including burst pipes and car accidents. Aviva said it had also received calls relating to falling ice and the weight of snow on guttering.
According to Halifax
Home Insurance one in six of its home insurance claims recently related to burst pipes compared with the usual amount for the winter period of one in ten.
The insurer is urging home owners to take precautions such as leaving heating on low, insulating pipes and making themselves aware of how to turn the water off in an emergency.
The most consistent factor behind these losses is householders who have gone away without taking any precautions. Even a day or two away can have devastating effects if sensible measures aren’t taken, the companies are warning.
Research from AXA suggests people really don’t understand the risks. Only 8% are concerned that a burst pipe might be a problem while away on holiday over the winter period and only one in three, 38%, will take even the most basic of precautions such as leaving the heating on.
AXA is advising home owners going on holiday that burst pipes were a more likely hazard than burglars and urged them to leave the heating on a minimum of 12°C whilst away.
Fortis has launched an advice pack for homeowners outlining the steps they should take to stop water damage during cold weather. It advises using the acronym ‘THAW’ to remember the parts of the home that need to be checked in cold weather – Taps, Heating, Attics, and Water. It alson advises keeping heating on constantly at a low level during icy weather to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting.
‘They are straightforward to follow and could save a great deal of money, disruption and loss of personal items and valuable possessions,’ said spokesman Gary Lobb.
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