Home insurance companies across the UK have issued advice to homeowners on how to cope with the cold weather which is currently controlling Great Britain with an icy grip.

Staying warm in the big freeze

Whilst heavy snowfall still brings chaos to many parts of the country, insured customers have been advised to leave their home heating running constantly to avoid their pipes freezing up.

AA Insurance has advised its customers on how not to get frostbite from winter claims this month by urging people to act now to protect household plumbing, after seeing a 450% surge in home floods.

The insurer estimated that homeowners have lodged more than £40 million in claims nationwide after icy weather froze water in roof tanks, causing them to burst and flood homes.

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Insurance said: “This year's big freeze is a reminder that burst pipes can cause serious water damage to both buildings and contents such as carpets and furniture. As well as dealing with an insurance claim, you face the major hassle of drying out and repairing your home.”

In addition, people should check the lagging on their pipes and be sure to drain them of water if leaving a house unoccupied during the near future.

Nick Dear, spokesperson for an insurance company said: “We are prepared for the expected cold front next week with many of our staff ready to help out in the affected areas and customers can rest assured that should the worst happen, we are here to help them around the clock.”

Other home insurance companies have also revealed to its customers how to avoid making claims when leaving a house empty and the answer, being to give the property a thorough clean.

The British Insurance Broker’s Association (BIBA) claimed it may even be worthwhile getting professionals in as any scraps of food that are left may attract rats or mice.

Head of technical services Peter Staddon explained that vermin can cause property owners several problems.

Staddon commented: “If they come in they can start chewing up wires and that damage may not be covered under an insurance contract.”

Mr. Staddon continued by saying, before leaving a house unoccupied for a significant period of time, any homeowner should look for potential problems that may arise. People who are unsure exactly what their house policy covers should contact their provider.

Claire Frances, an insurance site editor also supported this: “If you are in doubt about your level of cover for any home, travel or motor policy it is important to speak to your insurer to get clarification.”

Frances said that when it comes to insurance and the winter weather, policyholders should check their cover:

“In the case of home insurance there are significant caveats in many policies for the cover of burst pipes during very cold weather.

“Most providers cover for damage caused by pipes freezing and bursting but are likely to have exclusions; for example, if a property is left unoccupied or unfurnished – typically for 30 days in a row.  Confirming this with your insurance provider is crucial.”

Frances concluded by advising that customers should: “always check the small print to see what you are and aren’t covered for.”