Claims bursting out all over

Analysis by Virgin Money Home Insurance reveals that burst water pipes and ‘escape of water’ accounted for over 15 per cent of all claims between December 2008 and November 2009.
Virgin Money Home Insurance figures showed that the average paid claim for the escape of burst pipes and escape of water was close to £3,000. This is compared to under £500 for personal possessions loss or theft.
Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, said: "Some parts of the country might be seeing a thaw but the cold weather is far from over and homeowners should be prepared for the effects that the cold weather could have on their property.
"With the Met office forecasting more cold weather over the coming weeks across the country, homeowners should make sure that they have adequate insurance and are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the possibility of freezing or faulty pipes.
"Turning on your hot water and central heating for just an hour or two each day could help to reduce the possibility of your pipes freezing over."
With Virgin Money Home Insurance, homeowners are covered against storm or flooding as well as water escaping from heating systems or appliances. With the optional extra, Home Emergency cover, policy holders are covered for emergencies such as their boiler breaking down, electrics failing or your water pipes bursting.