Tips and guides

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, our homes require a little extra love and care to protect them from freezing temperatures and an increased risk of theft and fire. By carrying out a ‘winter MOT’ on your property, you reduce the risk of a disaster ruining your plans and damaging your belongings, and the risk of costly repairs or making a claim on your insurance. So what should you be doing to protect yourself and your home this year?

Severe or stormy weather can cause all sorts of trouble for your home, and can sometimes result in serious damage to your property and possessions. Often damage is unavoidable, but there are precautions you can take to minimise the risks from severe weather. We’ve put together some useful hints and tips about what you can do when it comes to storms or flooding.

In recent years, concerns about air quality and the environmental impact of cars in built up areas have led to Low Emission Zones (LEZs) or ‘Clean Air Zones’ in various cities around the UK. These zones aim to reduce the levels of harmful pollutants, improving air quality and public health.

Driving in icy conditions, heavy rain or snow can be challenging, especially if you’re not driving as often as usual. If you have to take to the roads in wintry conditions, there are steps you can take to do it as safely and confidently as possible.

From heavy rain to strong winds and even hail or deep snow, the UK’s changeable weather can take a toll on our homes. Here we look at the potential storm risks faced by UK homes, and tell-tale signs that your property has been affected.

Each year, properties in the UK face extensive storm damage. In February 2022 alone, insurers paid out roughly £500 million to customers whose homes were battered by three storms[1]. If your home has been affected by a storm, any damage caused will need dealing with as soon as possible. These are some of the most common types of storm damage caused, and steps you can take towards getting them repaired.