The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that this time of year is particularly busy for home insurers as people claim for burst water pipes caused by the freezing weather.
Homeowners are still reporting burst water pipes after leaving their homes without heating for days as they go on holiday. The pipes burst as the ice that has firmed in the pipes thaws, often causing flooding. This, in turn, causes over £1,000 worth of damage on average.
Nick Starling of the ABI, said that insurance providers are ready for the rise in claims, but that homeowners need to take preventive precautions to avoid the excess they will have to pay if they need to make a claim. He said that anyone leaving their home unattended during the winter needs to keep the heating on low to prevent the water in their pipes from freezing.
If a pipe should burst, homeowners need to turn off the central heating system and stop cock before draining the system by opening all the taps in the house.
Mr Starling said, “Insurers are poised to come to the aid of homeowners and businesses that have to face the often considerable damage that a burst pipe can cause.”
