Householders are being urged to "winter-proof" their homes during the coldest months of the year.
According Simon Coughlin, spokesman for insurance provider Cornhill Direct , winter weather is the "biggest" cause of domestic emergencies .
The company claims that the cost of a claim for a burst pipe can total £3,500, yet 38 per cent of people are unaware of steps they can take to ensure that their homes are protected.
"Before it gets too cold, people should inspect their pipes for cracks, leaks or other damage. Learn where the stopcock is so you can limit water damage if a pipe bursts," Mr Coughlin advised.
Halifax Home Insurance recently reported that it dealt with approximately 18,000 weather-related claims last year, at a total of £16 million.
Vicky Emmott from the firm said that "prevention is certainly better than the cure" and households can avoid making claims by being adequately prepared for the onset of bad weather.




