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How to prepare your home for winter

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Twelve top tips to ensure the 12 days of Christmas are disaster free.

The need for homeowners to protect their house from winter damage has never been greater with so many of us spending more time indoors this year – and climate change influencing weather patterns.

Having the right insurance in place is vital because issues such as frozen pipes can make life especially uncomfortable, especially during lockdown, and winter storms can wreak havoc.

We have also seen a rising number of flood and extreme weather incidents in recent years.

However, not all winter problems are unavoidable.

Insurance companies always experience an increase in claims over the winter period and many of those claims could have been avoided.

Here are some simple top tips to protect your home and prevent the need to claim in the first place: Keep your home heated to a minimum of 65°F/19°C, even when you’re not in. This should stop the pipes freezing. Remember to lag your pipes, too. This will stop them losing heat but also prevent them bursting because of the cold.

  1. Identify the main water shutoff to your home – if the pipes do burst then you can minimise the damage by shutting the water off quickly.
  2. Don’t let the world know when you go away for Christmas, leaving you home empty. Careless messages on social media can alert burglars. Consider installing automatic light timers so it looks as though your home is occupied – and put valuables in a safe place.
  3. If you are storing expensive gifts in the house, or are lucky enough to receive some, do notify your client manager. Most policies increase cover for the weeks around Christmas, but it’s good to be sure that all your possessions are covered.
  4. Food can cost a lot at Christmas, especially if you’re stocking up for a festive feast. Make sure your policy includes food and freezer cover.
  5. Clear snow and ice from paths or entrances to your home to help avoid accidents – for yourself and for visitors. Remove overhanging tree branches and check outdoor lights are working. It’s a good idea to mend all broken fences and gates before the cold weather arrives.
  6. Check your gutters are clear of debris. They carry water away from your home, which can cause damp if it is allowed to fester.
  7. Secure your rubbish and recycling bins so they do not move about in high winds. They have been known to fly off and caused damage to cars and property.
  8. Check your garden for anything which could cause damage in windy conditions – including your shed or hanging baskets. Store expensive garden equipment and bicycles somewhere safe, these items are not always covered under contents policies – so check with your client manager. It’s worth noting that sheds may be covered under buildings insurance rather than your contents policy.
  9. Park your car somewhere safe, preferably in a garage if you have one. For those parking on the street, avoid spaces where tree branches could fall and cause damage.
  10. Get your chimney swept before the bad weather arrives. Cold weather can result in damage to the chimney masonry.
  11. Get your boiler serviced. Ideally, this should be done annually – and before winter sets in. Nobody wants a cold house on Christmas Day, not even Santa…