Tips offered to keep winter home insurance costs down

Households hoping to get through the winter without having to claim on their home insurance have been recommended some advice.

The Independent said that property owners should first check that their home insurance policies cover damage by potential bad weather which may strike their region.

The cost of emergency boiler repairs can be reduced by making sure it is in not in need of repair, which could lead to a sudden breakdown, and broken roof tiles and other roof damage should be fixed to avoid damp or leaks, according to the newspaper.

Carry all your most prized possessions upstairs and seal your important documents, such as passports and birth certificates, in a waterproof box. It's also a good idea to stock up on sandbags, the publication added.

The AA recently criticised the government's flood and water management bill by saying it will not help households to be completely protected from having to make a home insurance claim .