Aviva warns home and business owners of the risks of water damage to their properties over the winter months
The company saw a 40% increase in water damage claims in January 2024
25 November 2024, Dublin: One of Ireland’s leading insurers today warned homeowners and businesses of the risk of water damage claims on their properties over the winter months. Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) issued this warning as the company confirmed that it saw a 40% increase in these claims in January 2024 when compared with January 2022. Along with the sharp increase in the volume of claims received that month, the severity of the damage increased significantly, as the costs associated with the recorded losses increased by almost 200% to €2.5 million.
Met Eireann reported that last January was the coldest month since 2011 in some parts of the country. The country experienced two major storms in storm Isha and Jocelyn during the fourth week that saw the wettest and windiest period of the month.
Cold, freezing conditions can bring a particular set of challenges for homeowners and business owners, especially if the properties are vacant or temporarily closed for a period. When a leak occurs that goes undetected for some time, it will cause a much greater level of damage and will very often leave the home or business owners without access for some time.
Commenting Gillian Devereux, Senior Loss Adjuster at Aviva said
“In addition, when a water leak goes undetected, the resultant losses will generally be larger and more severe. The water pipes that are most susceptible to frost damage are those located in the attic and, when a leak occurs, the water can flow freely from the attic space down through the home, impacting ceilings, walls, floors, and furnishings.
“It is important that homeowners are aware that insurance cover generally reduces or there may be restrictions in place when a home is unoccupied for extended periods, the extent to which can vary depending on the insurer.
“Homeowners or businessowners who plan to be away from the home/business for an extended period of time over the winter months should consider the following measures to help safeguard their properties against the risk of burst pipes,” concluded Gillian Devereux.
- Leave the heating on at a low temperature or put it on a timer for during the night.
- If you won’t be home for a number of days during cold weather, consider turning off the water supply.
- Insulate any pipes that are away from the main warmer areas of your home. This should include pipes in the attic.
- If you are away from your home or business for a prolonged period over the winter months, please check your policy wording to determine if there are requirements/actions you need to take or if there are any restrictions in cover.
- If you have a holiday home that will be vacant during the winter months, most insurers require you to turn off the water at the mains and drain the system. If you are not turning off the water at the mains, your insurer will most likely require you to keep the house heated. We recommend you check the details on your policy document.