With the Met Office confirming temperatures in January 2009 as below average, research from the price comparison site found there are significant caveats in home insurance policies for covering burst pipes.
Providers such as Barclays, Churchill and Direct Line cover for damage caused by pipes freezing and bursting, but are likely to have exclusions; for example if a property is left unoccupied or unfurnished – typically for 30 days in a row. On the other hand, a standard policy from Post Office does not cover for burst pipes at all.
Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “We’ve all experienced the chill this January, and while we’re wrapping up warm to keep out the cold it is crucial to consider how freezing temperatures will affect the pipes in your home. Safeguarding against the effects of cold weather is essential and therefore understanding the small print of your home insurance is too; there is no doubt homeowners would be shocked to discover burst pipes may not even be covered.
“Many of us will have resolved to understand our finances better in 2009, and being aware of your insurance policies is certainly part of that. Facing a situation where your pipes have burst and you are not covered would be a real blow to family finances. I advise homeowners to scour the small print of policies and contact their insurer if there are any uncertainties.”
