28 January 2011

Home Insurance Claims Surge in Cold Weather

Find out more about home insurance, and how the cold weather has increased the number of claims made in the UK.

Home insurance claims surged following the extreme weather the nation experienced in December, a new study reveals.

****Forecasters predict cold weather will return, with some parts of the country already experiencing snow, highlighting the importance of ensuring your home insurance policy is up to date for potential claims.

December was one of the coldest the country has experienced in a decade, and in comparison to December 2009, there was also a spike in weather related damage to homes.

This was a 391 percent increase in weather related claims from the previous year, and escape of water claims were up 247 percent in December 2010.

"While at last the weather is becoming milder, the legacy of this winter's extreme cold continues as homeowners are left to repair the damage caused,” commented Gordon Morris, Age UK Enterprises managing director.

"It is extraordinary that in December the uplift in weather related claims was over 300 percent.”

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Having a good home insurance policy in place is vital for ensuring your home can last the winter.

While comparing the market, homeowners are urged not to scrimp on a policy as this may work out to be more expensive if you have to claim further down the line for something the policy may not cover you for.

When you look online check to see how much the excess is when you make a claim, and consider the state of your house and how likely it is that you may have to make a claim.

You should expect to pay more on a premium if you live in a high flood risk area, and make sure when you apply for the insurance that you do not lie about certain things that could give you discounts, as this could mean the insurance company will not pay out if they find out about it.

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