It’s the big thaw and not the big freeze that causes most damage according to Ireland’s leading insurer, Aviva.
- Majority of "big freeze" claims happen as the ice thaws so act now to protect property
- Most claims are preventable with simple steps to minimise damage
- Aviva calls for weather watch, neighbour watch, safety watch as big freeze continues.
It’s the big thaw and not the big freeze that causes most damage according to Ireland’s leading insurer, Aviva. And with predictions of up to 25cm of snow over the next 48 hours Aviva has advised property owners to act now to avoid preventable damage from frozen and burst pipes as the thaw sets in. By lunchtime today Aviva had already helped hundreds of customers with claims and queries resulting from the icy conditions.
Aviva has also advised consumers to save emergency dial numbers to their mobile phones including Aviva’s Breakdown Rescue number 1800 44 88 88 and Aviva’s 24-hour Homecall Helpline 1850 621 126 (24-hour helpline to help locate expert repairmen and tradesmen such as plumbers).
Following the big freeze in January the insurance industry helped thousands of consumers who’s homes, personal possessions and property were devastated by burst pipes and water leaks. Many of these claims, which totalled almost €300 million, were easily preventable by following some simple steps. To help consumers avoid a repeat of the losses, Aviva, Ireland’s leading insurer, has launched a helpful simple guide on preventative measures for the next "big thaw".
Speaking today Aviva spokesperson, Paul Gurhy said: “While the snow is already down it’s not too late to protect properties from big freeze. Many people incorrectly think that it’s too late to prevent damage once the snow falls but Aviva’s analysis of claims from freeze events shows that the majority of the damage is done when pipes burst as the big freeze thaws.
"Simple steps like keeping an eye on water pressure as an indicator of frozen pipes and leaving the attic door open to allow warm up into the loft are some examples of how to avoid loss. We are also advising consumers to move vulnerable items like electrical goods, light furniture and paintings to avoid any possible water damage.”
The current cold spell could result in frost penetration deep into the ground causing many householders to experience frozen water pipes and associated problems of burst pipes and water damage.
During the freezing weather Aviva’s advice to minimize and hopefully prevent damage includes:
- Open the attic trap door to allow heat into the attic.
- Leave a light on in the attic to generate heat.
- Place a piece of insulation such as some carpet over your external stopcock.
- If you are away, leave your heating on a timer to prevent frost damage to water pipes.
- Ask a friend to check the house on a daily basis while you are away.
- Make sure the whole family know what to do if a burst pipe causes a flood.
- Wrap a towel around an outside tap.
After the freeze and as the "big thaw" sets in, Aviva’s advice if pipes are frozen or burst includes:
- Turn off your gas, water and electricity supplies.
- Move as many items from the affected area to limit the damage.
- Move vulnerable and particularly sentimental items to a safe dry place. Remember that items like photographs or family videos may have little financial value but they are irreplaceable to you. This also applies to personal documents and address and phone books. Sealing these in waterproof plastic bags is a simple and practical measure.
- Unplug and remove all electrical items in the affected area.
Once the leak is under-control, you should take the following action:
- Get advice from Aviva on 1890 666 888 - have your policy number to hand and other key information that will help smooth the claims notification process includes date of event, loss type, incident details, contact details, policy cover.
- Do not reconnect your services until an accredited engineer has checked them.
Dry out appliances affected by floodwater and get a qualified electrician, gas engineer or plumber to inspect them before you use them. - Lift water-damaged carpets to allow the floor to dry out but don’t throw them out.
Use a low heat to gently dry things out – using too much heat too quickly can cause further damage. - Take care not to use electrical sources of heat near water.
- Do not throw anything out. Your claims adviser will need to assess damage to your belongings for valuation purposes and to see if it’s possible to repair them.
Aviva’s helpline numbers are for customers are:
1890 666 888 for claims notification.
1800 44 88 88 Aviva Breakdown Rescue for Aviva customers who’s vehicles have broken down or gotten stuck in the ice.
1850 621 126 Aviva’s Homecall Helpline (24hr helpline to help locate expert repairmen and tradesmen such as plumbers)
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More information contact:
Alan Tyrrell, Aviva, 01 8985452 / 086 850 8673