This summer threatens to be a wash out for UK homeowners
15 July 2005
Source: HBOS press release
§ Halifax Home Insurance reveals: 'escape of water'* claims up by 12% in summer months
§ 7 million uninsured and unprepared**
Flooded kitchens and utility rooms, patios deep under water and water logged ceilings are not the scenes you associate with the hot summer months but according to Halifax Home Insurance they are all too common around this time of year.
Figures from the leading insurer show that the rising temperatures during the summer months cause a 12%*** surge in the number of 'escape of water'* claims.
Vicky Emmott, senior underwriting manager Halifax Home Insurance, said: ''Domestic appliance failure and burst pipes account for 90%*** of all escape of water claims and each of these factors are highly susceptible to changes in temperature.''
Over the last two years Halifax Home Insurance has seen claim volumes rise by up to 15%*** for both the breakdown of domestic appliances and burst pipes during the summer months. June saw the greatest increase in claims resulting from domestic appliances breakdown whilst August saw claims for burst pipes soar.
Ms Emmott continued: ''Just as extreme cold causes pipes to freeze and burst, plastic can also be weakened by extreme heat. Similarly, just as heating devices are used more in the winter, during the summer fridges work overtime increasing the risk of failure.''
Not only are incidents of escape of water inconvenient, they are also incredibly costly. Last year the average cost of all escape of water claims registered with Halifax Home Insurance consistently exceeded £1,000. But despite the costs involved in making repairs to your home and replacing contents in the event of insured events, such as leaking machines and burst pipes, a staggering 7** million people are without home insurance and a further 13.6** million have limited cover.
Top tips for preparing for the summer
1. Check your home insurance. Make sure you are aware of the levels of cover and benefits provided by your buildings and contents insurance. Halifax Home Insurance offers its customers a 24 hour Home Emergency helpline¨, giving free advice on how to manage a home emergency. It also provides a list of approved tradesmen.
2. Look out for beneficial extras. Halifax Home Insurance also offers Home Emergency Cover·. This service, which costs just over £3 per month, guarantees the provision of an approved tradesperson to make your property safe within hours.
3. Always go with a reputable tradesman. Last year Halifax Home Insurance received over 60,000 claims for botched DIY jobs and work done by rogue traders.
4. Be prepared. Prevention is always better than the cure. Regularly check your pipes and appliances to spot any potential weak spots.
5. Find out who the reputable plumbers in your area are in advance. It's well reported that there are shortages of plumbers**** in the UK and the summer holidays may make it even harder to find one. Ask your friends for recommendations or use a tradesman who offers to introduce you to a satisfied customer. Beware of tradesmen who only have a mobile phone contact number as they could easily disappear without a trace should things go wrong.
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