Prevent frozen and burst pipes
- Find your stopcock (main water shut-off) and make sure it turns.
- Lag pipes and tanks in lofts, garages and outside walls.
- Keep heating on at a low setting during cold spells, even when you’re away; some policies require this.
- Fix dripping taps and fit covers to outside taps.
Escape of water claims often involve damage far beyond the burst itself: ceilings, floors and electrics. Check whether your policy includes “trace and access” to find hidden leaks.
Storm-ready
In the UK and Ireland, the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Netherlands’ KNMI name storms likely to have medium or high impacts; the 2026/27 list runs from Austen, Boelo and Chloe. Before stormy spells, clear gutters and drains, secure garden furniture and trampolines, and check for loose roof tiles. Note that many policies exclude storm damage to fences and gates, and damage caused by poor maintenance. Read storm damage claims.
Going away for the holidays
Most home policies limit cover once a home is unoccupied for a set number of consecutive days, commonly 30 to 60. Over that limit, cover for things like escape of water, theft and malicious damage may stop or reduce. Tell your insurer about long absences, ask someone to check the property, and consider draining the system for very long trips. See unoccupied property insurance.
If water escapes
- Turn off the water at the stopcock and switch off electrics if water is near them (only if safe).
- Call your insurer’s claims line; many have 24-hour emergency services.
- Photograph damage and move valuables if you can do so safely.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
