Cold Weather Survival: Essential Insurance Tips from the ABI

As frigid weather approaches and an amber warning is in effect through the weekend, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is providing guidance to customers on how to stay secure and safeguard their homes during colder temperatures.

Louise Clark, Senior Policy Adviser for General Insurance at ABI, remarked:

“With low temperatures on the horizon, individuals must prioritize their safety and heed warnings and advice. It is essential to take precautions when driving, and measures should be taken to protect homes as well. Cold temperatures can result in pipes freezing and bursting, and while insurance may cover the damage incurred, it cannot alleviate the stress and distress caused. Simple measures like utilizing draught excluders around doors or setting your thermostat to an anti-frost mode can assist in keeping your home warm.”

Driving

Exercise caution to ensure your safety and that of your vehicle.

• Do not leave your vehicle alone while it’s defrosting. During winter conditions, reports frequently surface about cars being stolen when left unattended in these situations.

• Ensure your windscreen is fully defrosted before setting off, but avoid pouring hot water on it to melt the ice as doing so could crack the glass.

• Remove any snow from your vehicle before starting your journey, as this could pose risks to surrounding road users.

• Avoid driving through floodwaters, as they might be deeper than they appear or contain hidden dangers that could harm your vehicle.

• Maintain your vehicle properly – ensure that both front and back windscreen wipers are functioning correctly, and consider switching to winter tyres if necessary.

• If you are driving an electric vehicle, keep the battery charged and refrain from sudden accelerations or braking whenever possible to save power.

• Always be ready – keep your mobile phone fully charged, and carry a charger and portable battery. Have warm clothing, blankets, water, and non-perishable food in your car.

• Stay updated with weather forecasts, and heed police advice regarding the safety of driving.

• Your insurance remains effective if you are driving during a red weather warning, but we recommend you closely monitor local authority and policy alerts.

For more information, refer to our winter driving advice.

Frozen Pipes

The damage and inconvenience caused by frozen and burst pipes can be considerable for individuals and their homes. Insurers settled around 12,000 weather-related claims for burst pipes in 2023, with the average claim surpassing £17,000.

A few straightforward steps can assist in preventing pipes from freezing, and the ABI is encouraging individuals to take action now.

To lower the chances of frozen pipes this winter:

• Taking basic measures such as insulating water pipes and tanks in the loft, along with using draught excluders around doors, can help keep your house warm and reduce energy costs. More information here.

• If you have a smart thermostat, most will feature an anti-frost setting to maintain your home at a minimal temperature that inhibits pipes from freezing. In absence of a smart meter, most radiators feature a snowflake setting—switch to this setting to permit minimal water flow between pipes and radiators to prevent freezing. Consider setting the heating on a timer if you are going away.

• Familiarize yourself with the location of your stopcock, which shuts off the incoming water supply, and check that it functions. It is usually located beneath the kitchen sink. If you cannot find it, consult a neighbor or seek assistance from a certified plumber.

• If you plan to go on holiday or leave your home unoccupied, contemplate turning off the water supply at the stopcock or setting your heating on a timer to mitigate the risk of frozen and burst pipes while you are away. Refer to below regarding unoccupied homes.

• Fix any leaking taps, as this will help in preventing water from freezing.

If your pipes freeze:

• Immediately switch off the water mains using the stopcock. Allow the pipes to warm up, or attempt to thaw them with a hot water bottle.

• Avoid trying to dislodge the ice with a hammer or using a blow torch to melt it, as this could likely cause further damage.

• Relocate any belongings such as furniture or clothes that are near the frozen pipes in case they burst.

If your pipe bursts:

• Turn the water off at the stopcock. Switch off central heating and any other heating systems. Open all taps to drain the system.

• Move possessions like furniture or clothing to prevent additional damage to your property.

• In both situations, contact your insurer immediately for guidance; many insurers operate 24-hour helplines. They will outline the next steps and assist in arranging professional repairs.

If you are considering leaving your home unoccupied check your home insurance policy for any restrictions on coverage or specific stipulations if your home is left unoccupied for an extended duration, such as more than 30 days.

Open fires and candles might appear to be an effective way to minimize heating expenses; however, they will substantially elevate the risk of fire damage or destruction of home and belongings.

If using an open fireplace, ensure that the chimney and flues are inspected by a professional and cleaned if they have not been utilized for some time. Be certain to use a fireguard.

Your local fire brigade can offer advice on heating your home safely.

Travel

Frigid weather could hinder your travel arrangements. If you are scheduled to fly, verify the guidance from your airline or the airport. If your flight gets cancelled, reach out to your tour operator or airline. If your flight is delayed, or if transport disruptions caused by severe weather result in you missing your flight, you might be able to claim under your travel insurance. Check your policy for specifics, including limits on possible claims.

Be mindful that a sudden melt of snow could lead to flooding. Sign up for flood alerts through the Environment Agency website.