Mortgage News
Claims for winter weather property damage rise 200%
The number of home insurance claims resulting from winter weather damage has soared 200% in the last three years, as severe snow storms and heavy rain took their toll across the UK, according to research.
M&S Money found that winter weather damage now costs more than £600m a year for both insured and uninsured homes.
However, it revealed that 30% of households are not covered for the cost of damage from winter storms.
It revealed this was a result of people either not putting a policy in place or having it invalidated due to lack of maintenance, with less than a third of those surveyed carrying out basic property maintenance in the last two years.
M&S Money figures showed that the average cost to repair winter storm damage is nearly £600.
Wind damage is the most common issue, while snow and heavy rain have become an increasing problem in the last two years.
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Fleur Carruthers, home insurance manager at M&S Money, said: “We recommend homeowners make time over the next couple of weeks to check their homes are in a good state of repair and ready for winter. Carrying out basic maintenance can prevent damage from occurring and, should the worst happen, ensure a claim is valid.”