The winter blues could empty out your pockets if you don’t take adequate precautions to protect your home this winter, homeowners have been warned.

As the arctic weather draws in, the last thing anyone would want is to start the first few months of the New Year forking out additional costs for damages that could easily have been prevented.

Safeguard your home from the sub-zero temperatures

According to insurer NFU Mutual, the number of damage caused by sub-zero temperatures across Britain has already increased significantly with the number of insurance claims reaching up to 25 a day because of water damage.

Lloyds TSB had recently reported that the number of home insurance claims made by homeowners experiencing burst pipes due to the current weather has soared by 15 per cent.

Claims manager, Richard Pilkington of the NFU Mutual advised homeowners to take extra precautions around the home. He explained that installing extra insulation around pipes and tanks may help to prevent them from being exposed to the cold thus stopping them from freezing and bursting.

Homeowners are also advised to ensure gutters and pipes are clear of leaves and advise drain gratings are used to protect them from leaves and debris. If homeowners are planning to go away for the winter, setting the heating to go on and off whilst they’re away will help ensure that the pipes do not freeze.

Mr Pilkington claimed that "The damage from burst pipes can be horrendous” to people’s homes and possessions.

He said that the damage can be worse “if the burst happens when the house is unoccupied and the owners return to find collapsed ceilings, and their furniture, electrical goods, and personal possessions ruined. It is sensible to turn off any unnecessary water supply when a property is unoccupied.”

He added that “Country properties tend to be particularly vulnerable to storm and freeze damage. They are often in isolated locations where they are exposed to the full force of the elements, and unlike urban properties they rarely have other buildings around them to provide a degree of protection from the worst of the winter weather."

Check your policy

What can be worse than finding out your insurance policy doesn’t cover the damage that the weather has done to your home?

Having an insurance policy doesn’t necessarily mean that it will cover the damage. In recent months, on-going advice by insurers has urged homeowners to check their insurance policies to ensure they have adequate home insurance.

Some insurers have stated that some claims are likely to be rejected if the damage could have been prevented before-hand.

For this reason, homeowners have been advised to ensure they take adequate precautions in protecting both their homes and their insurance premiums.

Earlier this month, Managing Director, Phil Loney of Lloyds TSB Insurance said: "A little bit of preparation now could save you from having to deal with escaping water from burst pipes or a broken boiler. To give yourself peace of mind, make sure you have adequate insurance which will cover you if the icy conditions take their toll on your home."