Get your home ready for autumn weather: Aviva’s top tips

With changing weather patterns and storm season officially underway, Laura Lazarus, Head of Home Claims at Aviva, has put together some top tips for keeping you and your home protected from the worst of the bad weather.

1. Check your roof and gutters:

• Aviva’s own claims data reveals that almost a fifth (19%) of all UK home claims between 2020 and 2024 were related to storm damage^*. Before the autumn winds arrive, inspect your roof for any loose, cracked, or broken tiles. Even a single damaged tile can let water seep in during heavy rain. If anything looks out of place, it’s best to call a professional to carry out repairs promptly.
• Clearing leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes helps prevent water build-up, which can lead to leaks. If you’re unable to check them yourself, consider hiring a professional to take a look.

2. Prepare your garden:

• Secure any garden furniture or loose items that could be blown away in strong winds. It’s also a good idea to check that fences and gates are firmly in place, and to tidy away trampolines, toys, ornaments, or anything else that might or pose a risk. Keep in mind that many home insurance policies don’t cover storm damage to fences, gates, or hedges, even if they’re covered under other circumstances.
• Take a walk around your garden and look out for potential trip hazards, like loose paving slabs, which could become dangerous when hidden under ice or snow.

3. Protect your pipes:

• When temperatures drop, water inside your pipes can freeze and if the ice expands, it may cause them to burst, leading to serious water damage. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent this.
  • Start by insulating any exposed pipes and your cold-water tank, especially those in the loft or outside. This not only helps protect your home but could also improve energy efficiency.
  • Check taps for leaks by turning them off fully - if they still drip, it’s best to get them repaired.
  • Lastly, make sure you know where your stopcock is located in case you need to turn off the water quickly in an emergency. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink.

4. Stay warm safely

• When it’s finally time to switch on the heating, the last thing you want is a boiler breakdown. Booking your annual boiler service before the cold sets in - especially if your boiler is older -  helps ensure your home stays warm from day one. Keep in mind that boiler breakdowns aren’t usually covered by standard home insurance. If you're concerned, consider adding boiler or home emergency cover to your policy or take out a separate plan for peace of mind.
• If you’re using portable heaters or candles this winter, always keep them away from soft furnishings and never leave them unattended.
• Planning to enjoy a log burner or open fire? Make sure your chimney is swept if needed. And as always, test your fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly.

5. Get ready for potential floods

• Start by checking your home’s flood risk using the Government’s flood risk checker. If your property is at risk and heavy rain is forecast, move valuable items to higher levels - ideally upstairs - to help protect them. If flood water does enter your home, avoid touching any electrical items, as they could be dangerous. Contact your insurer as soon as possible; they’ll be best placed to guide you through the claims process.
• Prepare a flood plan – sign up for flood alerts and keep a close eye on weather reports.
• Even with careful preparation, some events are beyond your control. For added peace of mind, review your home insurance to make sure it meets your needs. If you’d like extra protection this winter, consider adding home emergency cover or exploring a separate policy for additional support.
• Once you're happy with your cover, make a note of where your insurance documents are stored - whether safely at home or digitally via your insurer’s app. While no one wants to face an emergency, it’s reassuring to know exactly what’s covered if you ever need to make a claim.

-ends-

References:

*_{Aviva internal claims data for storm claims between January 2020 – September 2024}

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