Burst pipes a home insurance risk

The bad weather may bring risk of flooding and wind damage, but burst pipes are a major concern for home insurance customers over the winter months.

Axa figures show that more people claimed for damage caused by pipe pressure than for fire or theft in December and January last year.

Despite this, only 38 per cent of people interviewed by the home insurance firm said they take precautions to avoid problems with water systems.

Those going on a winter break have been advised to keep the heating on at a minimum level, leave loft doors open to let warm air circulate and lag their cold water tank, Axa said.

Nick Kidd, head of home insurance at the firm, said: Not only does burst pipe damage have financial implications, especially if insurance is not in place, but it can also cause huge emotional trauma from ruined personal belongings.

The Independent recently recommended that households hoping to get through the winter without having to claim on their home insurance should first check that their policies cover damage by potential bad weather which may strike their region.