Home insurance customers told to stay vigilant

An online insurance comparison service has warned homeowners that their properties are still at risk of damage, despite a gradual rise in temperatures.

Confused.com has advised property owners to be alert to the fact they could still incur expensive damages because of burst water pipes and flooding .

Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com, said property owners must not become complacent even though the sub-zero temperatures have eased.

He said: Homeowners do need to be aware that they still need to be vigilant in the aftermath of this extreme weather as melt water from the snow can cause massive damage to their home .

A recent report by Virgin Money Home Insurance found that burst water pipes and escape of water were responsible for more than 15 per cent of all claims made between December 2008 and November 2009.

The insurer also said the average paid claim for burst pipes and escape of water was nearly £3,000.