Melting snow could cause increase in home insurance claims

A representative from the Scottish government has warned that home owners could be likely to face extensive flood damage over the coming weeks, as heavy bouts of wintry weather ease and snow and ice begin to thaw.

Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said that the increased risk of flooding is likely to cause a rise in home insurance claims, as property owners turn to their home insurance provider to cover the cost of repairing flood damage.

The minister urged all home owners to be aware of the increased risk of flooding and to take measures to protect their home and contents from thaw-flooding and burst pipes, following the Met Office's prediction that arctic winds will again cause temperatures to plummet over the coming days.

"It is important that people realise that flooding in their area is a possibility...Warmer temperatures have led to a thaw at lower levels." Cunningham said.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) earlier predicted that home insurance providers will underwrite in excess of £650 million this winter in order to cover the cost of repairing household damage caused by burst water pipes.

Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance and health, encouraged home owners to keep their properties as warm as possible and to ensure their water pipes and water tanks are well insulated during coming 'cold snaps'. The insurance expert added that doing so could help home owners to minimise their flood risk.

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:12:00 GMT