Make sure that your insurance covers you for the big freeze
The weather seems to be getting warmer, but don't be fooled. Home owners are being encouraged to check that their homes are covered for flooding as the freezing temperatures continue
With heavy rain predicted for Friday, insurance companies are preparing for the worst. Localised flooding is forecast by the Met Office for the South and more snow is anticipated for the North as well as freezing temperatures.
There is has been a very steep increase in claims for burst water pipes. The Halifax is now seeing 1 in 6 claims for burst pipes as opposed to earlier in the winter, which only saw 1 in 10 such claims.
Burst water pipes often lead to structural damage, which can run well into the thousands and then there is the obvious redecoration costs and electrical problems. With this in mind it is worth ensuring that your home is properly insured.
Advice for homeowners and tenants during the freeze is:
- Lag pipes
- Insulate lofts and water tank
- Keep central heating systems on - even when not at the property
- Locate water mains stop tap, so in eventuality of burst pipes water flow can be stopped
If you are unlucky enough to have a burst pipe, then contact our loss assessors to sort out your insurance claim.
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