Thousands of householders could be putting their homes at risk as the winter weather sets in this weekend, the UK’s leading insurer warns today.
Thousands of householders could be putting their homes at risk as the winter weather sets in this weekend, the UK’s leading insurer warns today.
Weather-related household claims, such as those from storms or frozen pipes, can soar during the winter months.
Nick Pierson, head of household products for Norwich Union, said: “Every year huge numbers of householders are faced with the problem of burst pipes which can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to their homes.
“But burst pipes aren’t the only things which can cause headaches. Leaking gutters, crumbling brickwork and loose roof tiles can all cause problems in the winter weather.
“If homeowners take some simple preparatory measures before winter sets in, these problems can be avoided.”
The advice comes at a time when Norwich Union continues to lobby the Government for better defences to combat future flooding – another risk to homeowners during the winter months.
Norwich Union has produced some simple tips for homeowners to help avoid the trauma of winter house problems:
- Locate main stopcock
- Lag all pipes and tanks with insulation material before winter sets in
- Ensure you have thick loft insulation
- Repair dripping taps to stop the water freezing and splitting the pipes
- If you go away leave your heating at the minimum setting
- Check whether your boiler is due for a service
- Repair loose roof tiles and ensure the whole roof is watertight
- Repair crumbling brickwork promptly to ensure water cannot get in and freeze
- Clean and flush out all gutters
- Check timber windows and door frames and repair or repaint where necessary
- Ask a friend or relative to visit your home every day when you are not there
And if the worst happens and a pipe bursts:
- Turn off the mains stopcock and turn on all cold water taps
- Switch off the central heating system
- If the pipe has frozen, thaw it with a hot water bottle or hair dryer - never use a blow torch, heat gun, cigarette lighter or matches
- Protect or remove items that may be damaged by water
To make a claim, Norwich Union customers should call the 24- hour claimline on 0800 012345 or 0800 555333 (all calls are free).
-ends-
Media contact:
Liz Kennett at Norwich Union on 08703 66 68 64
Notes to Editors
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer. In general insurance it is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest competitor, and has a 19 per cent share of the market.
- It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies, and Norwich Union Direct.
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on this internet site
- A selection of images is available from the CGNU Newscast site at www.Newscast.co.uk
- An ISDN line is available for studio quality interviews. Call the press office 08703 66 68 68
- Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122 Registered Office. 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG
- Member of the CGNU Group of companies and of the General Insurance Standards Council
For all life & pensions media enquiries 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries 08703 66 68 68