As the Met Office issues weather warnings for rain and wind across much of the UK, Go.Compare home insurance is urging homeowners to secure and maintain their properties to avoid invalidating insurance claims.
A recent survey by Go.Compare revealed that over a third (36%) of Brits admitted they wouldn’t be preparing their homes for winter weather, putting them at risk of damage and potentially leaving them unable to claim on their insurance policies.
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Taking the time to make sure that your home is secure and watertight before this bad weather arrives could save you a real headache further down the line. Failing to properly maintain your property means that if your home does become damaged in the weather and you want to claim on your insurance, you will likely be rejected by your provider.”
The survey found that some of the most neglected maintenance tasks include repairing roofs (35%), clearing gutters (30%), and maintaining windows and doors (25%). Failing to address these issues could lead to storm-related damage that insurers may refuse to cover if the property is deemed inadequately maintained.
Nathan added: “It’s also important to note that your insurer might not pay out if maintenance hasn’t been carried out by a professional. Our research found that 55% of people planned to carry out any tasks themselves or with the help of friends or relatives, possibly leaving them at risk of invalidating their policy if they need to make a claim.”
Go.Compare advises homeowners to secure garden furniture, clear blocked gutters, and address overhanging trees before the bad weather hits. However, critical repairs such as roof maintenance should always be left to professionals to avoid complications with insurance claims.
