Fortis insurance has released some guidelines for homeowners on the steps they should take now to prevent any damage as the weather begins to thaw.
The advice from the insurer is to remember the word ‘thaw’, as it stands for the key areas that homeowners need to keep in mind which are taps, heat, attics and lofts, and water. Last year between 20 and 30 per cent of household insurance claims were due to escaping water, with the average payout being £2,000.
Gary Lobb, head of operations for household and travel claims from Fortis, said: “The snow may have thawed in some parts of the country which brings fresh problems and elsewhere snow is predicted again so ‘act now!’ is the advice.”
Should the bad weather return, homeowners are recommended to follow the advice issued earlier this year by Fortis to keep their heating on at a low level to stop pipes from freezing over and possibly bursting.