Home insurance providers have issued advice to homeowners on how best to protect their homes ahead of the wintry and stormy weather which is forecast to strike in the coming days. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for large parts of the UK to be on high alert for strong winds, with much of the country set to experience winds of at least 45mph, and also selected areas which could be hit by snow and ice and plummeting temperatures. Home insurance provider, Aviva, has issued a number of recommendations to home owners to help minimise the effects of the stormy weather on property. The insurer advises policyholders to park their cars in a garage if possible, and also to secure any loose items outside their property such as garden ornaments and furniture, toys, ladders and bikes, and also to ensure all doors and windows are fastened securely. Aviva also recommend that home owners check for any loose roof tiles, as this is one of the most common issues reported to them, and also advise that any weak fences or gates are secured and to check that all TV aerials and dishes are securely attached. The home insurer also advised that a home insurance policy is not a maintenance policy and that your insurer will expect that your property is maintained to a reasonable standard as work to repair wear and tear is not covered by home insurance.