Reduce your home insurance risk this winter
by Ben Salisbury
Last winter's extremely cold weather resulted in some massive insurance claims as frozen pipes, cracked tiles and falling gutters piled on the misery for thousands of homeowners.
It's not just winter when problems occur. Floods around the country have been happening all through the year, but winter is the peak time for home insurance claims.
Home insurance policies do not cover general wear and tear, so if a problem occurs because you have not properly maintained your home and property, the likelihood is that you won't be covered.
It is important that you take action now to protect your home against damage during the winter months. An average claim for storm damage is £1,000 according to Halifax claims data, whilst claims for flood damage can reach £20,000 or more.
You need to make sure you have the right home insurance policy to cover you if the worst was to happen. Performing some simple checks could save you thousands of pounds.
The areas in your home and property that you need to ensure are ready for winter fall roughly into four categories.
1 - Checks inside the home
Check for damp - If you notice damp, you need to dry out the affected area or use a de-humidifier. This will help stop condensation. If there is a lot of condensation in your house, it can harm paintwork and cause black mould spots. Try and avoid drying clothes indoors and use anti-mould paint when touching up damp paintwork.
Check smoke alarms - Regularly check that your smoke alarm works and that the batteries are not dead. There is no point in having a smoke alarm and it failing at the crucial time. It could save your life as well as your property.
Loft insulation - Check that your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition; a depth of four inches is the minimum recommended. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing can all help protect your home and save you money on heating bills.
2 - Checks outside the home and in the garden
Check your roof - Homeowners with a tile or slate roof need to check that there are no loose tiles or slates. When the wind is strong, a loose tile can easily be displaced and that will let in the damp. You should repair or replace any broken or missing tiles immediately.
Check your gutters - At the same time, make a check of your gutters. This is especially important as autumn wears on and the leaves fall from trees. These can block gutters and become so heavy that the weight cracks or even displaces your gutter. Also check that satellite dishes and TV aerials are securely fixed.
Protect from floods - This problem is more common than ever in the UK. If the worst happens, you need to contact your insurer, who may be able to help you with alternative accommodation or offer you drying equipment to help you clean up.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, have some sandbags in storage. Take valuable possessions to an upstairs room. You should also take some pictures of the damage as this will help with your insurance claim. If water does come into your house, turn off the power supply immediately.
Protect your garden - Have a good tidy up of your garden and store away summer furniture. Tie down any plants or small trees that could be uprooted in heavy winds. If you notice any cracks in pathways or paving then repair them as ice will only make them worse. Service your garden tools and lock them away in a dry place over the winter.
Sweep your chimney - Make sure your chimney is swept by a certified chimney sweep first. This is important as a blockage, such as a bird's nest, could be a fire hazard and put your home at risk.
3 - Water hazards
Check your pipes - Icy weather can freeze pipes causing them to burst and flood your home. Make sure you know where the stopcock is so that you can turn the water off if necessary. If there are any leaks get them repaired immediately. If you go away, leave the heating on low as this will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Check your drains - Your drains could be filled with leaves or paper. If they are blocked you need to clear them as soon as possible to ensure that water can flow easily. The result can be extremely unpleasant if you ignore it - especially if the drains from your bathroom become blocked.
Service your boiler - If this winter is as cold as last then you cannot afford to be without heating and hot water. Try and get your boiler serviced each year. A service from a reputable firm should only cost around £50 and it could save you thousands of pounds on the cost of a new boiler. Prices for this tend to go up in the winter so try and get it done at other times of the year.
Bleed your radiators - Bleeding your radiators gets rid of any air inside. If air is inside then your radiators won't conduct heat as effectively and your water bill will rise. Failing to bleed your radiators won't cause major damage to your home but it could increase your bills.
4 - General maintenance tips
Don't hire a rogue trader - Check to see if any work you need doing in your home is completed by a reputable tradesperson. Look for reviews of their work on any local websites such as Qype. Also check that they are certified and a member of their respective trades body.
Have an emergency kit ready - If the worst happens and your home is flooded or you need to leave your home whilst important repairs are carried out, have an emergency kit ready. It should include water, a torch, batteries, warm clothes, a first-aid kit, candles, matches and a copy of your home insurance policy.
How to get low home insurance - There are a number of other adjustments you can make to your home to help protect it and to get cheaper home insurance. Put one-way valves into drainage pipes to stop water and sewage backing up into your house. Replace chipboard bathroom and kitchen units with plastic or steel versions. Install water-resistant window and door frames such as UPVC models.
If you perform these maintenance tasks it will help you in the case of an emergency and also lower your home insurance premiums. Many homeowners can perform most of these maintenance checks themselves but it is a good idea to try and find a reliable, reputable, local tradesman and establish a good relationship with them, as it is quite likely that this person will be able to do most of these checks for you.
For skilled tasks such as getting your boiler checked and electrical servicing, you should use an accredited professional. As is always the case with all types of insurance, you need to make sure you have the right cover for your individual circumstances.
Use myfinances.co.uk insurance comparison site to find the best home insurance deal for you.
Comments
Newsletter sign up