/24-7PressRelease.com/ - February 3, 2005 - According to weather forecasters, the chance of the weather stabilising maybe low but it is a known fact that cold snaps and severe frosts are still expected before Spring 2005, bringing widespread disruption and damage to property.
An ABI report* shows that weather-related claims on property insurance have doubled to over 6 billion between 1998 to 2003, compared with the previous five years and the number of winter storms crossing the UK has doubled in the last 50 years.
And although freezing temperatures are not uncommon at this time of year, they can still catch people out. Research by insurer HomeCall+ shows that many people neglect to check that their homes are winterproof, leaving them vulnerable to the misery of burst pipes, blocked drains and broken central heating systems.
The survey of 1,000 people** showed that:
- 43% said they have no protective lagging around water pipes
- 30% have no protective lagging around their hot water tank
- 16% do not know the location of the stop cock
- 13% admitted that they took no precautions to protect their home from winter weather if they were going away
Brent Hartley, CEO at HomeCall+ said: "The weather is the biggest cause of the worst domestic emergencies. When a cold snap bites, overworked central heating systems break down and pipes freeze. Before it gets too cold, inspect your pipes for cracks, leaks or other damage. Learn where the stop cock is so you can limit water damage in the event of a frozen or burst pipe."
During the last 12 months, nearly 50% of callers to the HomeCall+24-hour helpline have needed immediate help with plumbing or drainage problems caused by burst pipes or blocked drains. A further 17% of callers reported broken central heating systems.
Home emergency cover from HomeCall+ offers an affordable way for householders and landlords to protect themselves from a wide range of domestic disasters throughout the year. Key features of cover are:
- costs from 7.95 per month with no call-out fee
- Up to 500 towards labour and parts for each call-out
- 24-hour priority helpline, 365 days a year which gives initial advice and arranges for a qualified tradesman to call, so help is just one 'phone call away
- A network of fully vetted tradesmen who can help with the most common domestic emergencies such as plumbing and drainage problems, broken central heating systems, damaged doors and windows, interruptions to the electricity supply, roof damage, vermin and lost keys
- Cover is available to Householders and Landlords
Hartley says: "Home emergency cover is there for unexpected domestic emergencies, which, if not dealt with promptly, would cause more damage, unreasonable discomfort or difficulties for policyholders and their families or render their homes unsafe."
Some of the worst domestic emergencies such as floods and roof damage can make homes uninhabitable. When this happens, the HomeCall+ service covers the cost of basic accommodation for policyholders, their families and pets for one night while repairs get underway.
For more information or to request a home emergency quotation, phone 0800 195 20 33 or visit http://www.homecallplus.co.uk
About HomeCall+ :
Homecall+ is a new, unique domestic emergency assistance policy offering cover that even the most comprehensive insurance policy will not offer - your central heating, plumbing, drainage and electrics. These are areas where problems often arise - and are often costly to repair.
Homecall+ offers a reliable service, fully qualified tradesmen and fast and speedy responses, taking the pain and expense out of the everyday domestic disasters which are simply not covered by your usual insurance policies.
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