Home insurance protection needed from severe UK winter

Home insurance customers are being advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the coldest winter in 100 years.

Data released by Halifax shows that one in every six claims it dealt with between December 19th and January 4th was been related to burst water pipes caused by freezing temperatures, and this figure is only expected to rise.

The insurance company recommends homeowners have suitable cover to protect against costly repair bills if they are affected and also urged individuals to insulate water pipes, tanks and lofts to minimise risk.

Senior claims manager Martyn Foulds said: It is worth ensuring the home is properly insured, taking steps to prevent frozen pipes, making sure you have adequate insurance in place and also knowing what to do to limit damage if a pipe does burst.

Car insurers have already reported an increase in claims due to the damage to UK roads caused by bad weather.