Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and pipes and gutters

NFU Mutual urges homeowners to prepare their properties for the onset of winter.

With the first frosts of the season upon us, rural insurer NFU Mutual is reminding people to carry out essential home maintenance now, before the weather does its worst.

Laura Wood at NFU Mutual comments, “This year’s weather has been totally unpredictable. We had severe storms in January, heavy snow in February, followed by a warm and sunny Easter and then rain and floods all summer. What this winter will hold is anyone’s guess.”

Many homes, particularly in rural, isolated locations, are vulnerable to bad weather. Under the terms of most home insurance policies, homeowners are required to keep their property in good repair or risk a claim being turned down.

To help protect your property from adverse weather, NFU Mutual recommends that homeowners check:

The condition of trees on your land and take any necessary action.
That gutters are clear of leaves and bird’s nests.
Tiles and slates are secure on the roof.
Chimneys or other areas are in good repair and could withstand a severe storm.
The area where vehicles are kept is secure and safe.
Sheds and outbuildings can be securely locked at night.
Outside lighting and security cameras work properly.
Fences and boundary walls are in good repair. Check with your insurer as to whether they are covered under your policy. Some such as NFU Mutual cover them as standard, others don’t.
Garden furniture and ornaments are stored for winter

Inside your home you need to check:

Chimneys are swept and that wood burning stoves function properly, especially in thatched properties.
Locks and other security devices work on all doors and windows.
Lights and radios have timer devices, switching them on and off when you are out.
You have adequate freezer cover. Rural properties are more likely to suffer from disrupted power supply or power failure because of the weather, which could leave you with a freezer full of ruined food.

Laura Wood continues, “However, sometimes the worst can happen so it is vital that homeowners review their level of buildings and contents cover. Recent NFU Mutual research showed that almost a quarter of people (23%) have never reviewed their level of home contents cover. You can check whether your insurance is of the right value quickly and efficiently by using the NFU Mutual home insurance contents calculator on the website. As the hazardous winter weather approaches, there has never been a more sensible time to do so.

“In terms of buildings insurance, it is equally important to check your level of cover. You can ask a surveyor to come and give you a rebuilding cost valuation or alternatively you may feel confident doing it yourself. Remember though, the rebuild cost is different to the sale price, as the cost of land is not included.”