Sainsbury's notes rise in home insurance claims

Home insurance claims relating to water damage have surged since the start of the cold snap, it has been reported

The ongoing cold weather is driving household insurance claims, Sainsbury's has revealed.

Since the start of the cold snap began, around 16,000 claims on home insurance policies have been made due to water damage causing "forcible/violent bursting".

And as the typical claim for water damage stands at just over £2,200, there may be no time like the present to seek out comprehensive household insurance.

Indeed, the firm advises people get a "good level" of contents and buildings insurance, while making efforts to keep pipes insulated was also recommended.

However, AXA recently noted that a fifth of households do not have any cover in place for their possessions.

Ben Tyte of Sainsbury's comments: "There have certainly been more home insurance claims linked to water damage in recent weeks than we'd expect to see when the weather is milder."

He adds that while a similar increase was noted in 2009's cold snap, "this year it has been much more prolonged and intense".

By Ashley King