Frozen pipes prove greater risk than burglary

AXA has revealed that many of those who go away during the festive period are not taking adequate precautions to protect their water pipes from freezing. This time last year, more claims were being made for damage resulting from a ruptured pipe than for theft.

In January the average claim for water damage was over £15,000, with one in every 1000 homeowners making a claim. Yet only 8% of people worry about their water pipes bursting, compared to a massive 57% who fear that their homes will be broken into.

24% of people are concerned about fire, which is ironic given that a cracked, leaking water pipe is again more likely.

During last year’s festive period, an average of £4,200 was claimed on contents policies for water damage. This is particularly worrying because many people do not have contents insurance. Claims on buildings policies for water-damage were also high, averaging £10,900.

Apparently only 38% of people take simple steps to reduce the likelihood of a burst pipe; many do not think to leave the heating on, for example.

Head of Home Insurance at AXA, Nick Kidd, emphasised that it can be “very stressful” to return home after a relaxing break to find that many of your most valuable possessions have been destroyed by water. Even if the cost is covered by your insurance, many objects are irreplaceable.

To prevent such a catastrophe, AXA urges people to do all they can to keep their houses warm while they are away. This means ensuring that the loft and water pipes are properly insulated, and that the loft hatch is left open to allow warm air to rise.

It is also recommended that the temperature of the house falls no lower than 12°C; this may be costly, but is infinitely preferable to ruined carpets and soggy photo albums.