Act now to protect your car and home against hazardous winter weather
With colder and darker days drawing in, MoneySuperMarket is urging Brits to ensure they’re fully protected in their home and car against winter months.
When temperatures drop and the wind and rain arrives, our most prized possessions - and our safety - can be put at serious risk and without adequate insurances in place Brits could find themselves out in the cold and having the hassle and financial burden of having to deal with them alone.
Home sweet home
We may feel safe in our homes when it’s miserable outside, but even the brick walls around us can be put at jeopardy when the winter weather sets in. High winds can cause roof tiles to loosen and cause safety hazards, whilst drops in temperature can freeze pipes and then burst them, resulting in flooding and broken boilers. And we’ve seen excessive rain fall cause extensive flooding damage over the past few years – even for homeowners living off of flood plains and away from low grounds.
Kevin Pratt, Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “Many people would be shocked to find out their policies might not protect them when it comes to the natural elements. Some insurance policies carry caveats which mean we’re at risk without realising it. For example, burst pipes are often not covered in standard housing contents policies– when properties are left unoccupied without heat or unfurnished, sometimes the small print would require homeowners to inform their insurers of their absence in order to be covered. We strongly advise everyone to re-visit their policies to make sure they’re completely familiar with the clauses involved and the level of cover they have, in order to avoid hefty bills.”
On the road to winter
MoneySuperMarket advises all motorists to carry out regular checks on their vehicles to avoid breaking down and getting caught out in the cold. However, like the elements, these things can be unpredictable, so drivers should be prepared and have a comprehensive breakdown policy to avoid a long wait in the cold. Breakdown cover costs around £35 from MoneySuperMarket, and includes national recovery, onward journey and home start.
Kevin Pratt continues: “Motorists need to act with extra vigilance and care in the winter. Whilst sudden drops in temperatures can lead to icy roads and consequently dangerous driving conditions, snow and rain can limit visibility slowing down traffic and putting the roads in a hazardous state. Drivers also need to consider the very real risks of breakdowns as well as accidents caused by hazardous situations.
“We urge all drivers to take out full breakdown policies. However, motorists do unfortunately need to be prepared for the worst case scenario of a long wait in the cold when the weather does drop. In extreme circumstances emergency breakdown rescue cover can be stretched thin, and waiting times lengthened. And over the past few years, the UK has seen some unexpected weather that has meant that in some cases, drivers have been advised to put their journeys on hold. We recommend all motorists carry an emergency breakdown kit, with blankets, bottled water and enough snacks to see you through until you’re on the move again.”
MoneySuperMarket top winter home tips:
Keep your heating on constant but at a lower than normal temperature. The house will remain warm, and avoids the need to reheat when the house cools down.
Check insulation is in place on water pipes and lofts and areas of water storage such as a water tank.
If you have an outside tap, turn off the stop tap. This will prevent freezing and subsequent bursting.
Be sure you know where your stopcock is and be able to turn it off in the event of a burst pipe.
MoneySuperMarket top winter motoring tips:
Ensure your vehicle is serviced and regularly check the oil level, anti-freeze, hazard lights and tyres for tread depth and pressure – and check the spare tyre is in good condition too.
Keep the essentials in your car, such as a torch, reflective triangle sign, high-visibility jacket, first aid kit, and jump leads.
Clean your lights regularly and check the bulbs to ensure other drivers are able to see you.
Plan your journey carefully and don’t make unnecessary journeys in poor weather conditions
Keep extra stopping distance from the vehicle in front and take particular care to look out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and leave extra time for journeys in poor weather conditions.
In cold or icy conditions, drive carefully and ensure you don't accelerate, brake or take sharp corners suddenly.
Wear or stow essential winter clothing in the event of a breakdown in case you have to leave your vehicle.
In the event of needing to spend an extended amount of time in your car it would be good to keep drinks and snacks that will keep if left in your vehicle.