AXA warns of more cold weather for insurance policyholders

AXA has urged homeowners to heed the lessons of December and January and prepare their properties for any cold snaps.

The insurance company says that claims for 'escape of water' surged, with the average damage costing £30,000.

Some tips for avoiding having to make claims includes leaving the heating on, knowing where the stop cock is and sealing any holes around the house to ensure that no cold air is let in.

Nick Kidd, head of home insurance at AXA said: We are worried that despite all the warning signs, a number of homeowners still got caught out by the cold weather this winter with significant damage to their property and possessions.

As we gear up for another big freeze this week, we are urging homeowners to do what they can to prevent themselves becoming the victim of a burst pipe .

MS Home Insurance recently reported that it had seen a surge in the amount of people claiming for burst pipes in the last few months.

It saw a 200 per cent increase in claims for water damage over the winter months compared to the summer months.