Homeowners advised to conduct winter property ‘health’ check

With the average home in England and Wales now costing more than £230,000, it makes financial sense to check the upkeep of our homes, ahead of a possible assault from the winter elements over the next few months.

The Met office forecast for this winter predicts colder weather than last year and also has figures which show that historically December is one of the wettest months of the year. Our homes are probably our most valuable financial asset and so regular maintenance will help to ensure that a property reflects its true market value. It is important that homeowners understand household insurance is not a maintenance contract. Insurance will cover damage caused by certain bad weather conditions, which are outlined in the policy wording such as storm, flood and an escape of water from a frozen pipe. Household insurance may also provide cover for instances such as bad weather causing a falling tree or falling TV aerial to damage the property. But there is always a responsibility for customers to keep their property in a good state of repair.

Elaine Parkes, Head of Technical Services at Legal & General’s general insurance business said: “Household insurance is designed to provide peace of mind to homeowners so they know that they have cover in place should their property be hit by ‘the ravages of winter’ or severe weather. However, homeowners need to take reasonable steps to safeguard their property and contents against loss or damage. This includes ensuring that their property is maintained in a good condition, so fixing any loose tiles on a roof or making sure flood prevention measures are in place, if appropriate.”

To explain further, Buildings Insurance will cover damage to the structure of a home, domestic outbuildings, paved terraces, drives and paths caused by flood and storm. But cover is not provided for damage caused by heavy rain or high winds and fences and gates damaged in a storm are not normally covered.

Home Contents Insurance covers damage to household items, which are not part of the buildings. For example, furniture, carpets, TVs, radios, stereos and personal items which may be damaged by flood water.

Elaine continued: “In addition, Legal & General recognises that customers don’t want any additional stress if they should need to make a claim under their policy. So following the practical advice we have outlined on protecting a property may help customers to reduce the risk of having to make a claim in the first place and minimising the amount of disruption experienced if they do.

“Our aim is to make the process of claiming as smooth and stress free as we can. This may also help homeowners who suffer weather related emergencies to get back into their homes as soon as they possibly can.”

In advance of the bad weather and to help minimise the damage and disruption that can be caused, Legal & General offers the following advice:

Homeowner Checklist

Freezing conditions:

Check house heating is in good working order, and if you have one, whether the chimney should be swept.

Check loft insulation is the recommended thickness of 250mm (10”) and still in good condition.

Check all pipes and tanks, which may be liable to freeze, are fully lagged.

Repair any dripping taps.

If you are away overnight, leave the heating on just in case the temperature should drop.

Check you have access to some grit or salt for paths and driveways to try to keep them clear.

Warm clothing ready in case the heating does fail or you need to move from your home quickly.

Storms:

Check drains and gutters are clear of any leaves or debris that could block them.

Repair loose roof tiles and slates to reduce the risk of them falling off.

Secure loose items such as garden furniture, tools, toys and pots. Ensure planters are stowed away if possible or firmly fixed so they can’t be blown around and cause damage.

Check windows and window frames, including those in a shed, garage or greenhouse to ensure they are firmly fixed and with no possible gaps for rain to penetrate.

Check whether trees particularly those close to the house, need pruning and are stable.

Flooding:

Prepare an emergency kit of some food, drink, warm clothing and a first aid kit plus any regular medication. Include a torch and battery radio, but check the batteries still work, or invest in wind-up options and as back-up have candles and matches available.

Check you know where water, gas and electricity supply can be turned off. If unsure check with your supplier. You may wish to consider back-up heating options

Where possible, move any personal possessions, furniture and valuables that can be moved to safety.

Keep important contact details, such as insurance documents, in a waterproof plastic bag.

Sandbags or floorboards could be used to block air bricks and doorways.

If you should suffer damage, then it will help when making a claim to have made a note of the emergency or claim helpline number you need to call, or your insurer’s web site address. You will need to give your policy number, postcode and details of the damage. In most cases you will not need to complete a claim form as this can be done over the phone.

Details of the cover available under Legal & General’s home insurance for severe weather damage is available online at legalandgeneral.com under a special severe weather warning section on the home insurance site.