The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has urged homeowners to take pre-emptive action to reduce the risk of burst and frozen pipes.
Two years ago the especially savage winter led to insurers being swamped with 3,500 claims a day for burst pipes.
The problem can be very expensive, disruptive and stressful, but taking simple steps before winter bares its teeth can prevent the issue from ever arising.
Using good quality lagging to insulate water pipes/tanks is advised, and homeowners should know where the stopcock is, and ensure that it works.
The ABI also recommends the repair of dripping taps, and to leave the heating on at a low level to keep the pipes warm (particularly if the house will be vacant due to holidays).
Director of General Insurance and Health Nick Starling stressed that prevention was better than cure and stated that home insurance could not compensate for the misery and inconvenience of burst pipes.
Earlier this month AXA warned homeowners that stormy weather claims could be rejected if routine maintenance was not done.
Category: ABI News, Home Insurance News, Insurance News
