Increase in burst pipe claims due to colder weather

Recent reports have shown that the colder weather that has been seen in areas of the UK over recent weeks is resulting in a double whammy for many consumers.

Many are finding that they have to keep the heating on got longer in order to try and minimise on the risk of pipes bursting, and many others have found that burst pipes have led to them having to make a claim on their insurance. Either way the situation could result in rising costs for the consumer in an already challenging financial environment.

In fact, data from Lloyds TSB shows that insurance claims made to the provider have increased by around 15 percent over recent weeks, and the average value per claim has increased to around £1400. One claim is even said to have come to in excess of £40,000. A number of other insurance providers have also reported that the number of claims that they have seen come in resulting from burst pipes has also increased.

One Lloyds TSB Insurance official stated: ‘After last year’s mild winter it is no surprise that many homeowners have been caught unprepared by the latest cold snap.’

One customer with Lloyds said that she had to make a claim after a pipe burst, and that the claim had been handled quickly, which came as a relief. She stated: ‘We are now in the process of replacing the kitchen floor and are waiting to order a new carpet. It was such a relief to know the claim would be processed quickly.’

In the meantime, industry officials have urged consumers to ensure that they have the right level of insurance cover in place to protect them against such a disaster, as otherwise they could end up having to pay thousands of pounds from their own pockets.

Tags: Heating, surprise, level, insurance official, insurance providers, insurance claims, cold weather