Halifax: Avoid damage payouts with winter-proofing

With bad weather coming this autumn, homeowners are advised to ensure their homes are not at unnecessary risk from damage.

According to Halifax, there have been severe weather warnings for November, with high winds and harsh storms forecast.

Giving properties a “health check” and winter-proofing can reduce the risks posed by such extreme weather, the like of which led to 18,000 claims last year totalling in excess of £16 million.

“Winter is the time when we retreat to the warmth and safety of our homes, but before doing so there are some essential checks that need to be carried out,” said Vicky Emmott of Halifax Home Insurance.

“With home emergencies, prevention is certainly better than the cure, and many claims could be avoided if householders spent a small amount of time preparing for the coming bad weather.”

Some of the checks recommended include looking for weaknesses in the roof, checking external lights are securely fitted and trimming back low-hanging branches that could cause damage.

Tags: damage payouts, Pacific Northwest, severe weather warnings, safety, halifax, warmth