1 in 20 homes makes an insurance claim during the winter

It’s been revealed that 1 in 20 homes makes an insurance claim during the winter months, with majority of these claims being related to damage caused by burst pipes. The Association of British Insurers estimates that £644 million was paid out in home insurance claims over the course of the last winter months. Axa Insurance have revealed that the situation is even worse this year due to the arctic conditions which have hit the UK earlier than expected. The insurance provider has reported a surge in insurance claims in the last few weeks having received double the number of claims compared to the same time last year. Snow damage came out on top as the main cause of claims from Axa over the last few weeks with this being cited as a reason for damage in 50% of claims, followed by burst pipes which was accountable for 15% of claims. The recent surge in claims only goes to highlight the importance of adequate home insurance ahead of the winter months. Despite the rise in claims, many insurers say home owners fails to prepare for winter. While a quarter of Brits have experienced a boiler breakdown, 70% of homeowners fail to prepare by having their boiler serviced ahead of the winter months, which could lead to an insurance claim should the boiler experience problems.