Home insurance policyholders offered storm tips

People with homeowner's insurance have been offered a range of tips on ensuring that their properties survive the winter storms intact.

January 18th 2007 saw one of the most violent storms in years hit the UK and now elderly financial services provider Saga has produced a free handbook, entitled Prepare your home for bad weather, to help people avoid further problems during the winter months.

Among the tips offered by the home insurance provider, it is suggested that residents double check that they know how to turn off all gas, electricity and water supplies into the property in the event that a leakage develops.

Furthermore, it is recommended that people look at guttering and piping to make sure that there are no blockages that could lead to damage that necessitates a homeowner's insurance claim.

Garden furniture and other outdoor equipment that could potentially be dislodged by high winds should also be moved to safety, the home insurance company's guide suggests.

Following the recent storm, many homeowners made a claim on their home insurance policy.

Earlier this week, Richard Pilkington, claims manager at home insurance provider National Farmers' Union Mutual pointed out which rural areas were most affected.

The most serious damage is being reported in the south-west of England, which bore the brunt of the storm, he said.