Business and property owners should ensure they take precautions to protect themselves from serious water damage caused by wintry weather, Aviva has warned.

Figures from Aviva business insurance show that there is a peak in water damage claims in the first two weeks of the new year, following businesses and properties being left empty for extended periods during Christmas.

Because properties are often left unoccupied, any damage from escaped water will have more time to escalate, seeing a 20 per cent rise in claims between December and February, and a 27 per cent rise in January.

The average business insurance claim for water damage in January is £3,100, and with the met office predicting even colder weather around the corner, having business insurance in place could offer valuable protection, Aviva urges.

Around 300 gallons of water pass through a pipe every 10 minutes, Aviva warns, so the right policy could prevent business and property owners from drowning in repair costs.

Paul Redington, property claims manager at Aviva, said: “Companies closing down for Christmas should take some simple precautions ahead of any potential cold snap, to prevent expensive damage occurring. The damage and cost to a business as a result of water escape can be just as devastating as that of a fire or flood.”

Mr Redington continued: “If a business were to suffer an escape of water, being prepared can greatly limit the costs and any down-time. Having a business continuity plan in place is key to minimising the effects and getting the business up and running again as quickly as possible.”

© Fair Investment Company Ltd