Aviva sends arctic weather tips via text

Aviva is texting over 500,000 of its motor and household customers today warning of the perils of the continued arctic conditions.

The text says: "Please take care in the cold weather, if you have to drive, take a spade, food and a blanket. At home, leave the heating on to avoid burst pipes."

The UK's largest insurer sent similar messages to customers in the freezing temperatures last January after fears that many homes could suffer from burst pipes.

Rob Townend, director of claims, at Aviva said: "Obviously when we have such extreme weather conditions, as we have now, it makes sense to send advice to customers as quickly and simply as possible, so where we have mobile numbers for our customers - and they have said they are happy for us to contact them - we are sending little reminders to be extra careful in the cold snap.

"We hope it might prevent some of the soaking homes that we saw last winter as a result of water-damage caused by burst pipes and perhaps a short message about the driving conditions might make people think twice before they venture out in their cars."

Your cover

Damage caused by freezing water escaping from tanks, pipes, or heating systems is covered as standard under most contents and buildings insurance policies. Water freezing in tanks is also usually covered under buildings insurance.

Prevention

Lots of lagging

One of the main causes of freezing pipes is lack of lagging - so anyone attempting to do a bit of plumbing themselves, should bear in mind that pipes and tanks in the loft, or anywhere else liable to freeze, need to be properly lagged.

Insulate on top of pipes

Insulation should be laid on top of pipes rather than underneath them, as insulation laid below the pipes will prevent rising heat reaching them.  Wrap up water tanks, cisterns and boilers in insulating jackets.

Home alone

If you are going away for a few days or weeks leave heating on at a constant low level 24 hours a day, this means that water in pipes will remain at a constant temperature and should not get cold enough to freeze. Also remember to remove the hatch to your loft so that warm air can circulate.

(This may appear environmentally unfriendly or a little extravagant during these economic conditions, but it might mean the difference between a ruined home or a dry one when you return from your break)

And get someone to check on your home while you are away, if a problem is spotted early the damage could be much less.

Find the stop cock

Before cold weather arrives, find your main stop cock and make sure you can turn it on or off. It's generally found underneath your kitchen sink. There should also be an access point for a stop cock outside your home (normally near your driveway) so if all else fails you can turn off the supply there.

Check the taps

Repair any dripping taps and don't forget to insulate outside taps in your garden or garage (or turn off the water supply to them altogether).

Tell your insurer

If you are planning a longer holiday over the winter period make sure you tell your insurer. Most standard policies don't cover you for standard perils like escape of water, burglary and theft if your home is unoccupied or unfurnished for a certain period of time. Aviva offers full cover for 60 days away, but you need to tell us if you are going away for longer!

If the worst happens

If pipes have burst turn off the water at the main stop cock - by turning off the water you will reduce the amount of water which can escape and so minimise damage to your home. Switch off central heating and any other water heating installations at the same time to avoid further damage and open all taps to drain the system. Call your insurer as soon as possible.

For more information, visit aviva.com.