Many insurers are encouraging homeowners to put some time aside for basic maintenance so that they don’t have to make a claim on their home insurance after the industry helped out thousands of people this winter.
As we approach spring and leave behind a torrid winter, the worst since 1987, the cost of insurance claims made because of the bad weather totalled 650million according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). 194million of that was made because of damage to homes, mainly to roofs and pipes.
As a result, insurers are encouraging homeowners to regularly clean their guttering and check that pipes aren’t frozen.
“Insurers helped their customers get through the freezing temperatures”
The amount paid out this winter emphasises the benefit of having home insurance as many insurers have helped homeowners in their time of need.
However, they are also encouraging homeowners to refrain from making a claim for every small dent or bit of damage as this can affect premiums in the long run.
Having comprehensive home insurance this winter will have provided some solace for homeowners as Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the ABI, said:
“From dealing with snow damaged roofs, burst pipes, to repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by treacherous driving conditions, insurers helped their customers get through the snow and the freezing temperatures.”
Improvements in the Weather Will Reduce Home Insurance Claims
Spring’s now starting to offer some sunshine and the numbers of home insurance claims are likely to drop but with the change in weather comes new obstacles which is why homeowners should prioritise house maintenance.
