Winter claims rising rapidly, central heating cover customers are told
M&S Home Insurance is expecting the number of emergency claims to increase markedly this winter.
Britons have made three times as many emergency home insurance claims during the winter compared to the summer months, it emerged today (January 14th).In news which will be of concern to central heating cover customers, M&S Home Insurance claimed that the freezing conditions have led to a marked increase in incidents.
According to the company, the most common type of claim has been water-related - such as through burst pipes - which has seen an increase of approximately 200 per cent.
David Wells, head of insurance at M&S, explained that he is expecting this trend to be replicated in the coming weeks as the impact of the current cold snap takes it toll.
He said: "We have seen three times as many home emergency claims during the winter compared to the summer months.
"We're expecting the number of claims to increase throughout January and February as the severe weather puts a greater strain on central heating systems and household plumbing systems."
Mr Wells advised central heating cover customers to give their systems a regular 'MOT' as cold weather can lead to boiler condensate traps or discharge pipes freezing.
In addition, Britons who are planning to go on holiday are urged to set their heating to maintain a constant temperature of 15C and to remove or raise their loft hatches.
Last week, uSwitch.com claimed that fuel prices are not set for imminent hikes in the UK as energy firms buy their fuel a year in advance and can meet additional demand by topping up on the daily spot market.
Written by Karen Eliot
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