Nov 30, 2017 - Britain is preparing for a possible polar freeze this winter due to La Niña, a cyclical weather phenomen
30 NOVEMBER 2017
Frozen pipes: don’t let the cold snap cost you Britain is preparing for a possible polar freeze this winter due to La Niña, a cyclical weather phenomenon triggered by below-average sea temperatures. It is likely to bring with it frosty memories of the 2010 “Big Freeze”, when temperatures plummeted to -13°C in parts of the UK following one of the most powerful La Niñas on record. Lloyds Bank Home Insurance received over 900 claims for frozen pipes in the aftermath of the 2010 Freeze1 and is therefore encouraging homeowners to take steps to counter the cold. Tim Downes, Senior Claims Manager at Lloyds Bank Home Insurance, said: “This winter is shaping up to be a cold one, increasing the likelihood of frozen pipes. Keeping your heating on for a few extra hours overnight to protect your system from freezing probably costs no more than a luxury hot chocolate – if it saves thousands of pounds in the event of a pipe freeze, that’s a price worth paying!” Lloyds Bank Home Insurance is offering the following tips to handle the freeze with ease… 1. Set your thermostat to a minimum temperature around 12°C, even overnight – the heating costs are justified if it avoids a costly pipe freeze. Many thermostats have a winter option that routinely heats the system to keep pipes at the right temperature. 2. Disconnect and drain all hosepipes, sprinkler systems and water features that are connected to external water outlets. 3. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, garages, kitchen cabinets and on the outside of the house. Use UL-listed heat tape, or foam rubber insulation where pipes are exposed to cold moving air. 4. If you’re going on holiday it might be worth shutting off and draining your water system (ask your provider for information on how to do this) or asking a neighbour to visit while you’re away. 5. Be sure to have your Home Insurance details to hand in case the worst happens. Lloyds Bank Home Insurance can provide customers with useful information, such as the number for a reputable plumber, through its 24-hour Emergency Homeline. - ENDS -
1
Total claims received between December 2009 and March 2010.
Ben Rogers Sarika Thanki
07990339371 07557661569
[email protected] [email protected]
30 NOVEMBER 2017 Editors' Notes: 1.
Statistics from Lloyds Bank Home Insurance in-house claims data.
2.
Lloyds Bank Home Insurance, Home Insurance Premier and Home Solutions are all underwritten by Lloyds Bank General Insurance Limited. Lloyds Bank Home Solutions and Home Insurance Premier have a 5 star Defaqto rating.
3.
Lloyds Bank Home Insurance offers its customers a 24-hour Emergency Homeline, manned by experts who can offer useful information and advice on how to manage a home emergency, such as providing the number of a reputable plumber for emergency call-outs. This service is provided by Royal & Sun and Alliance Insurance PLC.
4.
Should the worst happen, Lloyds Bank Home Insurance can send a Personal Claims Consultant (PCC) at their discretion if they feel that one of their policyholders needs extra support. PCCs act as a single point of contact on major claims, meeting customers face-to-face to discuss all aspects of the incident and personally see each claim through from beginning to end.
5.
For more information visit www.lloydsbank.com/insurance.
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Ben Rogers Sarika Thanki
07990339371 07557661569
[email protected] [email protected] 