News in brief

Avoid winter water problems

Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have highlighted the importance of adequate property insurance. The ABI’s report states that 370,000 people made claims for water damage in 2010, with the average claim costing just less than £2,000.

Most of the claims resulted from damage caused by escaped water, and the ABI estimates that the insurance industry paid out £7m due to damage caused by burst pipes.

The harsh weather that the UK experienced last winter caused the increase in claims and, if a similar period of tough conditions is on the way, home and business owners will want to make sure that they are fully covered.