The stress of problems caused through a winter freeze could be eased with home insurance – yet new research has found many individuals are failing to safeguard their properties should a cold snap occur.
Carried out by Churchill Home Insurance, the study revealed four-in-ten householders have not taken any action to prepare their dwellings this time around, with 66 per cent of survey respondents admitting they have not had their boiler serviced this year.
This comes despite the provider noting it saw a 45 per cent increase in the number of claims for water damage caused by frozen pipes during winter 2010/2011.
In addition, the investigation revealed the freezing weather resulted in many instances of damaged roofs and central heating failure.
Martin Scott, head of the group – which is part of Churchill Insurance, launched in 1989 as the first direct motor insurer in the UK before providing home cover a year later – said: “Having home insurance in place will ensure you’re covered for damage caused by escape of water, but also consider taking out Home Emergency insurance to cover the cost of emergencies.”