Home insurance could help soften the blow for householders who find their pipes have frozen as the weather dips this winter.
However, such a scenario can cause great inconvenience – especially over the festive period – and people could take a number of steps to help prevent such instances.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has therefore come up with a handful of tips to reduce the likelihood of burst pipe damage, as claims averaged up to £7,000 last winter.
These include leaving the heating on for at least one hour a day, keeping access to the loft open to allow warm air to circulate and making sure the location of the stopcock is well known.
Nick Starling, director general of ABI – which was formed in 1985 and has over 300 members – stated: ” Home insurance will pay for the often considerable damage caused by burst pipes, but it cannot compensate for the misery and inconvenience that they bring.”
The industry figure added taking just the simplest of precautions can ensure a smoother ride for homeowners trying to protect their property this winter.