Surge in weather-related insurance claims

Weather-related insurance claims have risen 40 per cent since 2001, according to Halifax Home Insurance.

In light of this upward trend and forecasts of the coldest winter in the last ten years, Halifax is urging homeowners to carry out an MOT-style check on their homes.

Vicky Emmott, Halifax Home Insurance spokeswomen, said: "Whilst it's the big weather events, such as the Carlisle floods and the tornado in Birmingham which make the headlines, frozen pipes, fallen trees and damaged roofs all torment UK households throughout the winter.

"Every year millions of motorists put their vehicles through an MOT at a cost of around £40 - but few homeowners do the same with their home."

Halifax says homeowners could save thousands of pounds by conducting a home MOT test.

Advice includes checking the roof for loose tiles, setting the heating to at least ten degrees to avoid frozen pipes and inspecting for blockages in the guttering.

Halifax also advises examining garden outbuildings to ensure doors and gates are securely fastened, insulating the loft and sweeping the chimney of built-up soot.

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