Preparing for Autumn & Winter
As summer draws to a close, autumn and winter bring increased risks for high-value homes and vehicles. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, falling trees and freezing temperatures can all lead to significant damage.
A few simple preventative checks now can help clients reduce the risk of loss and ensure their insurance remains appropriate.
Protecting the Home
Check the roof
Inspect roofs, tiles, flashing, chimneys and roof-mounted equipment for damage or deterioration. This is particularly important for older, listed or complex properties where repairs may require specialist materials.
Clear gutters and drains
Blocked gutters and drainage can cause water to enter roofs, walls and interiors. Clear them before heavy rainfall and check again following severe weather.
Prepare heating and plumbing
Have heating systems serviced before winter and check vulnerable plumbing. Clients may also wish to consider:
- Leak detection technology
- Automatic water shut-off systems
- Turning off the water supply when properties are unoccupied
These precautions are particularly important for holiday homes and other properties left vacant during winter.
Check trees and grounds
Professional inspection of mature or potentially hazardous trees can help reduce the risk from falling branches. Clients should also check fences, gates, walls, garages, garden buildings, greenhouses and drainage.
Review the Insurance
Autumn is a good time to check that insurance still reflects the client’s circumstances.
Consider whether:
- The rebuild value remains adequate
- New jewellery, artwork, collections or other acquisitions have been declared
- Vehicle values remain accurate
- Security arrangements are appropriate
- Changes to occupancy or property use have been notified
- Unoccupied property conditions are understood
Insurance should reflect the client’s circumstances today, not those of twelve months ago.
Preparing High-Value Vehicles
Winter conditions can present particular challenges for high-value, performance, classic and specialist vehicles.
Clients should consider:
- Checking tyres, batteries and antifreeze
- Ensuring vehicles are stored securely and protected from flooding
- Maintaining tracking and security systems
- Checking vehicles that are used infrequently are stored appropriately
Seasonal Changes? Tell Your Broker
Changes such as purchasing a vehicle, placing one into storage, changing its use or moving it to another address can affect the risk.
Clients should speak to their broker before making these changes, particularly where a vehicle is stored overseas, kept at a different address, used differently or modified