How to protect your home against cold snap damage

With the UK experiencing another extreme cold snap, Sainsbury’s Finance is urging homeowners to ensure that they protect their property against possible damage caused by the cold.

Ben Tyte, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Manager, says: “Temperatures have already dropped to as low as -21C (-5.8F) at night in some parts of the UK and the big freeze is predicted to continue for some time. We're urging homeowners to take a few simple precautions to help stop pipes from freezing, as when they thaw out, the potential for water damage is increased.”

Winter Weather tips from Sainsbury’s Finance:

Make sure you have a good level of buildings and contents cover

Know where your main stopcock is 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)

Make sure your boiler has had its annual service

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

If you suspect a pipe may have cracked, ensure you turn the water off and call your insurer right away

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

Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance reported estimated figures around cold-snap home insurance claims. It said that during the last winter (2009-2010), which was one of the coldest in decades, the UK insurance industry received nearly 16,000 home insurance claims linked to water damage under the category of ‘forcible/violent bursting’ between 15th December 2009 and 21st January 2010 alone. It estimated the value of these claims at around £35.21 million and believes that the freezing weather conditions contributed to many of these claims.