Over 13,000 home insurance claims for water damage

Sainsbury's Home Insurance estimates that since 22nd December 2008, the UK insurance industry has received over 13,000 home insurance claims linked to water damage under the category of ‘forcible/violent bursting', and it says that the freezing weather conditions have contributed to this.

It estimates that the value of these claims is around £27.56 million.

Neil Laird, Sainsbury's Home Insurance Manager, said: "There have certainly been more home insurance claims linked to water damage in recent weeks than we'd expect to see when the weather is milder. Temperatures have dropped to as low as -10C (14F) and with more cold weather predicted, we expect to see more claims linked to water damage.

"We have seen cases this year where people have gone away for a few days and switched their heating off and retuned to terrible damage, this really is a no, no. Warm water must be kept circulating even if it's for a short period each day."

Winter Weather:

Make sure you have a good level of contents cover

Find your main stopcock and make sure you can turn it off and on. If you have a water meter, the ‘off' switch is on the meter, which is probably outside the house

If you are away for a few days, leave the heating on a low setting as it's advisable to maintain an air temperature of at least 10oC (50 oF)

Ensure your pipes are insulated especially if they occupy attic spaces which are notoriously cold.

Make sure you have the telephone number for your home insurance company because many like Sainsbury's Bank offer a 24-hour emergency helpline which can arrange for emergency/temporary repairs

To find out more about Sainsbury's Home Insurance, visit sainsburys.co.uk