Insurer points warning after big declare attributable to burst frozen pipes | EUROtoday

Homeowners are being urged to recognise the risks of burst frozen pipes, after a serious insurer, Allianz UK, disclosed payouts of £20 million for injury between January 2023 and September 2025.

The firm processed 345 claims, together with a £566,000 incident the place a four-bedroom home suffered intensive injury whereas its proprietor was overseas.

Graham Wright, managing director of house insurance coverage at Allianz UK, mentioned: “Burst pipes can cause a large amount of damage so it’s a good idea to keep your heating on a constant low heat when you’re out, and for homeowners to insulate their loft and use good quality lagging, especially around pipes and water tanks, so they don’t freeze.”

With extra wintry climate anticipated and temperatures having already dropped as little as minus 10C in some elements of the UK this week, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued an analogous warning, urging individuals to correctly insulate their pipes and lofts.

Mark Shepherd, assistant director and head of common insurance coverage coverage at ABI, mentioned final week: “With a cold snap ahead, people need to put their safety first and follow weather warnings and advice.

“This includes taking steps to protect your home from cold weather and to keep your vehicle safe.”

In 2024, house insurers settled roughly 8,000 claims for weather-related pipe injury totalling £250 million, with the typical declare costing £33,000, in keeping with ABI.

Allianz mentioned those that plan to depart their house unattended needs to be significantly cautious throughout this chilly climate, and prompt that, to assist forestall frozen pipes, households might contemplate conserving their thermostat set to at the very least 13C.

The insurer mentioned that many burst-pipe incidents occur when individuals are away for a time frame over a chilly spell.

Homeowners who plan to depart their house unoccupied for various days ought to verify climate forecasts and contemplate proactive measures resembling draining water tanks, turning water off on the cease cocks, conserving heating on and arranging for individuals to go to the house often, it prompt.