Virgin Money home insurance is warning households to protect their homes against burst water pipes and subsequent flood damage due to current weather conditions.

Such eventualities accounted for more than 15 per cent of all Virgin Money home insurance claims between December 2008 and November 2009, and with the recent freezing conditions across the UK, the insurer is encouraging households to take precautions.

The average claim for repairing the damage caused by burst pipes and escaped water was nearly £3,000, Virgin Money’s data shows, which is considerably more costly than the cost of personal possessions protection against loss and theft provided by home insurance.

Commenting on danger which frozen pipes pose to household tranquility, Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, said: “Although Christmas has passed, the cold weather is far from over and homeowners should be prepared for the effects that the cold weather could have on their property.

“With the Met office forecasting more cold weather over the coming weeks across the country, homeowners should make sure that they have adequate insurance and are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the possibility of freezing or faulty pipes.”

Mr Bather recommends that homeowners leave their hot water and central heating on for at least an hour or two each day to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Those who are not able to prevent catastrophe can be protected from the subsequent repair bill with Virgin Money home insurance, which covers policyholders for storm or flooding, and water escaping from heating systems or appliances.

Virgin Money also offers Home Emergency cover which can be added onto a home insurance policy, and covers household emergencies such as boiler break downs, failed electrics or water pipes bursting.

© Fair Investment Company Ltd

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