Keep your home safe this winter
| Check your home is protected against bad weather, such as freezing temperatures, high winds and heavy downpours | Insurers paid out £585m for weather-related damage to homes and possessions in 2024, so check you’re adequately covered | Make sure your boiler is serviced annually, identify fire hazards in your home and test smoke alarms. |
Frozen pipes. Blocked gutters. Damp rooms. The winter months can take their toll on your home – and your health. Here are some top tips to keep you and your property safe.
Weather the storm
Make sure your home is protected against bad weather, such as freezing temperatures, high winds and heavy downpours. Watch out for a build-up of debris in gutters and drains, insulate any outdoor taps and pipes, and safely store garden items.
Insurers paid out a record £585m for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions in 20241, so check you have adequate cover. Fences and gates are not always covered for storm damage, so make sure they are secured. Be prepared for floods and power cuts. You can report a power outage by calling 105 and sign up to flood alerts online.
Feel the heat
Boiler breakdowns are often excluded from standard home insurance policies, so it’s important to keep them well maintained with an annual service. If you’re concerned your boiler might not make it through the winter, then home emergency cover could provide added protection.
Try to heat your home to at least 18°C – especially if you are 65-plus or have a chronic health condition or reduced mobility. A warm, ventilated home can also help to prevent condensation and damp building up during winter months.
Don’t play with fire
A log burner or open fire can add a touch of magic to a cold dark night but remember to get your chimney swept once a year to prevent any blockages. If you use portable heaters or candles, keep them away from soft furnishings.
Take a moment to test your fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly. You could also complete an online home fire safety check to identify any hazards in your home – see your local fire brigade’s website for more details.
Make sure your home is properly insured
Winter can bring unexpected damage, having the right level of cover can save you from costly surprises. Adequate home insurance not only provides financial security but also peace of mind, so you can focus on staying warm and well, knowing your home is protected whatever the weather.
1ABI, 2025
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments. Financial protection policies typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.