The big chill bill: 43% ignore essential winter jobs around the home
With reports of the coldest winter in decades just around the corner, The Co-operative Home Insurance is urging homeowners to ‘winter-proof’ their house to help avoid a claim-filled Christmas. The warning comes following shock stats that show that nearly half (43%) of Brits are ignoring crucial jobs that could leave them out in the cold.
The survey showed that although eight out of 10 people are aware of the avoidable damage that could be caused, the DIY shy nation are shunning those all important jobs.
Topping the list of the most avoided winter jobs is clearing the gutters (34%), followed by clearing the garage to store the car (18%), with even simple tasks such as bleeding radiators coming third (15%).
Women are more reluctant to carry out DIY tasks in the home with more than two in three (68%) admitting they rely on their partner for any handiwork. Whereas dads are the most called upon relative, with 41% of Brits confessing they phone a parent when a job needs doing. However, just one in 10 cautious consumers only rely on professionals for jobs in the house.
Although many are relaxed when it comes to winter-proofing their home, the cost and inconvenience caused in the event of claims can be devastating. The Co-operative Home Insurance has warned that claims can be as big as £35,000, which was caused by a collapsed roof due to snowfall. Escape of water claims in winter, most likely to be caused by a frozen burst pipe, are also common with the average occurrence costing £5,200.
Although financially, those with home insurance have peace of mind, claims that cause structural damage can result in people having to be put up in alternative accommodation which is not only an inconvenience but a distressing way to spend Christmas.
Anthony Lewis, Head of Home Insurance at The Co-operative Insurance says; “A few spot checks around your home will reduce the likelihood of winter rains, snow, wind and cold causing structural damage, which could result in your home being inhabitable.
“Whether it’s noticing some loose tiles on the roof, clearing the gutters or making sure the loft is insulated, winter-proofing can give you peace of mind that you can enjoy a safe winter. We hope that our advice can help people prepare for winter and emphasises the importance of having house insurance so that if the worst happens, they know they are covered.”
One job that people are less likely to avoid is getting the boiler serviced and replacing batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with 48% claiming that they prioritise the task.
The West Midlands is the most uninsured region with 22% admitting they don’t have any cover, whilst London is close behind with 18% knowingly uninsured this winter.
The Co-operative Home Insurance Top Tips for getting your home winter ready:
Get your boiler and central heating serviced by a registered engineer
Look at the exterior of the house – look for loose tiles or bricks that the frost could get in to or bad weather could affect
Clear guttering from leaves and debris to help avoid leaks. A blocked gutter could collapse under the pressure so always best to check
Get open fire and wood burning stove chimneys swept
Check smoke alarms
Check carbon monoxide alarms
Check all pipe insulation for damage
Make sure you know how and where to turn your water off at the mains
Check that the stopcock works - they can jam if not used regularly
Clear the garage to make room for your car in freezing conditions
Make sure you have a supply of salt/ grit to clear any drives or pathways