Up to 1.78 million homeowners without buildings protection

With storms set to continue and worsen across the country, alarming new research from Sainsbury’s Home Insurance reveals that 1.78 million homeowners are without buildings insurance and a further 656,000 people claim not to know whether they have this cover.

Neil Laird, Home Insurance Manager, Sainsbury’s said: “Thousands of homes could be at risk from storms this week so it’s alarming to see so many without buildings insurance. The growing number of weather-related instances really highlights the importance of having adequate cover in this area and unlimited buildings cover ensures peace of mind that you won't be left underinsured should the unthinkable happen”

Sainsbury’s Home Insurance, which provides unlimited buildings cover, reveals that its research suggests that female homeowners are far more likely to be without this cover than men. 1.055 million women (6%) admitted to not having buildings cover compared with 722,000 male homeowners (4%). On an age basis, interestingly, 8% of homeowners aged 65 and over and a further 8% of those aged between 25 – 34 admitted to not having buildings insurance – the highest percentage for any age group.

Surprisingly, when those homeowners without buildings insurance were asked why they did not have this cover, 39% said they felt it was not necessary. Only 2% said that they could not afford it.

Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers the following advice to homeowners in the event of stormy weather:

In the case of flooding, planning ahead will save time and improve your flood protection. Make sure for example, you –

decide what you will do with furniture

keep drains clear, ensuring they and the area around them is clear of debris

keep a stock of sandbags if you know your area is liable to flood

Damage to garden sheds may not be covered by certain policies – Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers such cover

If the damage is the result of your neighbour neglecting to adequately maintain their own property you may be able to reclaim costs from them

Consult your insurer before arranging repair work

Ensure that you use a qualified tradesman who can guarantee their work – Sainsbury’s Home Insurance offers Home Emergency cover with all claims work carried out by approved contractors and guaranteed for 12 months.