As the big freeze continues the ABI is warning homeowners planning trips away over the Christmas and New Year break to take steps to reduce the risk of returning home to frozen and burst pipes. Damage caused by burst pipes can cost several thousands of pounds.

To reduce the risk of returning home to burst pipe damage, the ABI is reminding homeowners to:

• Check that loft pipes are adequately lagged.

• Leave central heating on at a low level, and keep any loft door open to allow warm air to circulate.

• If going away for an extended break, consider draining the heating system and switching off the water supply at the mains. Before you do this talk to a reputable plumber and your home insurer for advice.

• Ensure that any leaking taps or radiators are repaired.

• If possible, get a neighbour to check your property while you are away, and leave a contact number for you with them.

Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Heath, said:

“Damage caused by burst pipes can be widespread, traumatic and expensive. No one wants to come home from their Christmas break to face a flooded home. Taking a few simple precautions before you leave your home unoccupied will greatly reduce the risk of returning to the misery of frozen or burst pipes.”

- ENDS -

Notes

 

1.        Enquiries to:

Liz Forster                    020 7216 7444 (Mobile: 07717 578 586)

Malcolm Tarling          020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

Erfan Hussain                        020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

Kelly Ostler-Coyle       020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

 

2.    The ABI is the voice of the UK’s insurance, investment and long-term savings industry. It has over 300 members, which together account for around 90% of premiums in the UK domestic market.

The ABI’s role is to:

-       Be the voice of the UK insurance industry, leading debate and speaking up for insurers.

-       Represent the UK insurance industry to government, regulators and policy makers in the UK, EU and internationally, driving effective public policy and regulation.

-       Advocate high standards of customer service within the industry and provide useful information to the public about insurance.

-       Promote the benefits of insurance to the government, regulators, policy makers and the public.

 

The UK insurance industry is the third largest in the world and the largest in Europe. It is a vital part of the UK economy, managing investments amounting to 24% of the UK’s net worth and contributing the fourth highest corporation tax of any sector. Employing over 275,000 people in the UK alone, the insurance industry is also one of this country’s major exporters, with a fifth of its net premium income coming from overseas business.

Insurance and businesses protect themselves against the everyday risks they face, enabling people to own their own homes, travel overseas, provide for a financially secure future and run businesses. Insurance underpins a healthy and prosperous society, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive, safe in the knowledge that problems can be handled and risks carefully managed.   Every day, our members pay out £155 million in benefits to pensioners and long-term savers as well as £58 million in general insurance claims.

 

3.        An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

 

4.        More news and information from the ABI is available on our web site, www.abi.org.uk.