Insurance Guide

Snow damage – top tips for insurance claims

Thursday 5 February, 2009

By Becca Talbot becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

Heavy snow storms across the country brought the UK to a standstill earlier this week. The adverse weather wreaked havoc with the travel network, and many flights, trains and bus services were delayed or cancelled.

Because Britain’s weather has always been a little temperamental, it’s important to know exactly what is covered by your insurance when it starts blowing a blizzard outside. Here are top tips to make sure you’re covered for snow damage…

* 12% of customers who received a motor insurance quote between 1st January and 31st March 2009 and provided a best alternative price saved £205.80

• Travel insurance
• Household insurance
• Car insurance

Travel insurance

Delays at snowbound airports are usually covered by your travel insurance, according to the insurers’ trade body, the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

Insurance cover under snowy conditions usually begins after passengers have been delayed for a certain period of time, normally specified in their policy. This is typically eight or 12 hours, and policies will pay out a cash amount for each subsequent eight or 12-hour delay, up to a maximum limit.

Some policies may pay for flights missed because the passenger is unable to reach the airport due to bad weather, if the train service is suspended or delayed for instance. But flights cancelled due to bad weather are unlikely to be covered – travel insurance normally only covers passengers if they have to cancel their flight due to events such as illness, immediate family death or redundancy.

All travellers should check the details of their policy, as cover varies between insurers.

Household insurance

Insurance claims from snow damage may seem a bit far-fetched in Britain, but damage such as burst pipes may be covered under the “storm” provision within your buildings insurance policy.

The problems most likely to occur in the home during sub-zero will be frozen pipes and water tanks, so you should check with your insurance company for information and advice. Most companies have a 24-hour emergency helpline for customers, so ensure you keep yours handy.

Top tips for keeping your home safe from weather damage

• Leave your central heating running in all rooms, not on a timer but at a constant temperature – especially between the coldest hours of 1am and 3am
• If you’re going to be away for a long period, either leave the heating on a timer for an hour a day, or drain off your water and heating systems, and remember to leave your insurance details with a friend or neighbour
• Check the lagging on your pipes and water tank. If you have enough constant heating in the house, it will prevent the water tank from freezing
• Keep a supply of batteries, torches and provisions
• If your home loses power, keep the freezer door shut to try to protect its contents.

Car insurance

Because many drivers are unused to driving in snowy and icy conditions, claims to insurance companies are often a lot higher after a heavy snowfall. Motor insurer esure (www.esure.com) reported an instant effect of this week’s adverse weather, noting a 100% increase in snow-related accident claims.

According to the ABI, accidents caused by snow or ice will be covered under comprehensive motor insurance policies.

However, the costs of breakdowns or cars that fail to start are not normally covered – you should contact your breakdown or roadside assistance provider to find out if you’re covered.

And claims against other drivers will be valid only if negligence can be proved.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance (www.theaa.com) advises: “Think twice before setting out on a journey where there are severe weather conditions. It’s just not worth risking losing your no-claims bonus.”

Top tips for driving in the snow

• Prepare for your journey before you set off
• Plan your route to use as many main roads as possible - they are more likely to have been gritted
• Remove all snow and ice from the vehicle to ensure maximum visibility and not cause a hazard to other drivers
• Give your vehicle a once-over before you leave - check tyre tread and pressure, water and anti-freeze levels
• Ensure headlights and number plates are clear of snow
• Keep the following items in your car: an ice scraper and de-icer, mobile phone with fully charged battery, torch, first-aid kit, tow rope, blankets, warm coat and boots, jump leads, snow shovel, warning triangle, and an old sack or rug (to put under the wheels if you do get stuck)
• Drive safely!

* 12% of customers who received a motor insurance quote between 1st January and 31st March 2009 and provided a best alternative price saved £205.80

Bookmark with:

What's this?