New research commissioned by Direct Line Home Insurance reveals that mild temperatures throughout October and November have lulled people into a false sense of security, as 19.7 million Brits will be unprepared if severe weather hits this winter.
40 per cent of homes will be vulnerable to issues such as frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns should severe weather conditions set in, because people have not taken measures to protect their property.
Despite last year being the coldest winter on record, with average temperatures of -1°C2, it seems that few people are taking preventive action. Last year, an estimated three million Brits were victims of damaged properties as a result of freezing temperatures. The most common claims were damage to roofs (35 per cent) and frozen or burst pipes (31 per cent). A further 16 per cent said their central heating failed and 15 per cent said their boiler packed up entirely.
This year, those aged 18-34 are the least likely to have made preparations for winter, with over half (55 per cent) yet to lag pipes, have their boiler checked or repair any structural damage to their property. In comparison, almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of those aged 55+ have already looked at ways to prevent damage to their home during the winter months.
Across the UK, Londoners appear to take the most cavalier attitude to protecting their homes for winter, with only 50 per cent of properties already primed for the advance of a big chill. At the other end of the scale, 71 per cent of people in Northern Ireland and two-thirds (66 per cent) of those in the North West have taken measures to protect their property in some way.
Stuart Curson, head of Direct Line home insurance, commented: “As the last two winters have demonstrated, bad weather can cause serious damage to property as well as enormous stress to homeowners. Whilst this winter has proved mild so far, it is important to be prepared for severe weather should it occur later on. In addition to checking that your insurance covers the cost of emergencies, taking a few simple actions such as lagging pipes and keeping your home well maintained will go a long way to limiting the damage winter weather might cause.”
Tommy Walsh commented: “The last thing you want when it’s cold outside is for your pipes to freeze or your boiler to stop working. By spending an afternoon protecting your home against winter with my simple tips, you could prevent thousands of pounds worth of damage.”
