The winter of 2013/14 turned out to be pretty mild but as we all know, it was dominated by a relentless barrage of Atlantic storms that brought exceptionally wet and windy conditions to many areas of the UK over many weeks. It resulted in the UK’s wettest winter ever and cost the insurance industry over £450 million in claims. So what does this winter have in store for us?

According to the few meteorologists brave enough to put their heads above the parapet, there are signs that this winter could well be the opposite with colder, drier conditions from December through to February. Could it be a white Christmas? Who knows but some are forecasting a particularly harsh winter that could rival that of 2009/10.

Whatever the weather, if you haven’t done so already it would be worth getting in touch with your clients to make sure their home is ready to meet whatever challenges the winter brings. Regardless of the policy terms and conditions, it is worth reminding them that they have a duty of care to maintain their home in a good state of repair. If an insurer deems that a claim could have or indeed should have been avoided had the homeowner sufficiently maintained their property, they may scale down or even reject a claim.

If we are to undergo a period of freezing weather, here are a few tips you could pass on to help your clients prepare for the chill and minimise the risk of damage:

• Make sure all pipes are lagged to minimise the risk of them freezing, cracking and causing a flood. 75mm pre-formed foam is available from DIY shops and easy to fit
• If they have a loft then make sure it is insulated with appropriate material that is at least 27mm thick. Not only can this help prevent pipes and water tanks freezing, it can also help keep heating bills down
• If their water tank isn’t lagged, invest in a pre-formed jacket to prevent it from freezing
• Check their taps and if any are dripping, get them repaired as drips can freeze, blocking and damaging pipes
• If they are heading away for a few days then keep the heating on low (about 15 degrees) and leave the loft hatch open (if they have one) as well as the doors of cupboards housing pipes open to allow warm air to circulate and help prevent freezing
• And if they are escaping the worse of the weather for some sun for several weeks, they should turn the stopcock off and consider draining pipes and radiators. And they should also check their policy to ensure they’re covered for absence of extended periods as they may need to get an extension

And it’s always worth reminding them to give the outside of their home a quick MOT before winter really sets in to help prevent any unnecessary claims.

• Ensure their roof is in good repair and fix any problems
• Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and water damage
• Check that TV aerials, satellite dishes and any solar panels are securely fixed and in good repair
• Inspect walls and chimneys to ensure the bricks and mortar are in good condition
• Sand and repaint chipped or blistered paintwork to stop excessive rain as well as frost and snow creating further problems
• Lag outdoor pipes and taps and mend any that are dripping

It would be the worst possible outcome if your client had to make a claim only to find the insurer disputing or even declining it because of perceived maintenance issues. They won’t hesitate to voice their displeasure to you as well as the insurer, which won’t help your relationship. A quick email from you could make a real difference and ensure they are well set for winter.

Mick Cairns is insurance director at Source Insurance