Wintry weather 'see home insurance claims rise'

Home insurance claims have surged as the country battles with severe snow and ice, it has been suggested.

The wintry weather to have plagued Britain in recent weeks has driven home insurance claims up in recent weeks, it has been reported.

Figures from M&S Home Insurance reveal that energy cover claims for water damage in recent weeks have risen 200 per cent in comparison to the summer.

"At this time of year, if you don't have emergency insurance cover, unexpected plumbing bills are not going to be welcomed," David Wells, M&S head of insurance, notes.

And now could be a good time to invest in contents and buildings insurance as he adds that claims are set to rise through the remainder of January and into February as the cold weather places strain on central heating and plumbing networks.

Indeed, the Met Office stated that although temperatures are set to rise this weekend, more snow and ice is forecast to hit Britain.

People assessing their British insurance options may also want to consider M&S Home Insurance's advice that insulation pipes and having inspections of heating systems carried out on a regular basis could minimise the chances of suffering a domestic disaster.

By Ashley King