Freezing weather sees water damage claims soar
Householders are being warned to keep their homes warm during the current freezing weather or risk having their property flooded by burst water pipes.
Research by Virgin Money found burst water pipes and “escape of water” accounted for 15% of claims between December 2008 and November 2009.
The average amount paid out for these claims was £3,000, compared to an average of under £500 for theft of personal possessions.
“Some parts of the country might be seeing a thaw but the cold weather is far from over and homeowners should be prepared for the effects that the cold weather could have on their property,” said Grant Bather, Virgin Money spokesperson.
“With the Met office forecasting more cold weather over the coming weeks across the country, homeowners should make sure that they have adequate insurance and are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the possibility of freezing or faulty pipes.
“Turning on your hot water and central heating for just an hour or two each day could help to reduce the possibility of your pipes freezing over.”
In December Aviva said it saw water damage claims increase by 500% during last winter’s cold snap.
Water pipes bursting in a loft can cause water to gush through a property, damaging interiors, Aviva said.
Category: Aviva News, Home Insurance News, Standard Life News
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