Landlord insurer reveals common reasons for claims over winter

Other common reasons are damage from a fallen tree (£2,230) and flooding (£19,500), while one in five household has at least one boiler breakdown, which typically costs £270 per repair.

In winter landlords most commonly put in claims for storm damage and burst pipes, typically to the cost of £1,770 and £5,150, Simple Landlords Insurance research shows.

Other common reasons are damage from a fallen tree (£2,230) and flooding (£19,500), while one in five household has at least one boiler breakdown, which typically costs £270 per repair.

Andy Wynne-Jones, senior underwriting manager at Simple Landlords Insurance, said: “With this winter predicted to be one of the coldest in many years, landlords need to take steps to get their properties and their insurance up-to-scratch.

“A well-maintained property is far more likely to be able to weather the winter weather.

“Inspections are key, and now is the time to make sure your roof is secure, boiler healthy, pipes insulated, gardens cleared and maintained to prevent trees or objects being picked up by high winds.

“Also you need to ensure that tenants aren’t overloading sockets with Christmas lights or using any un-PAT-tested appliances.

“Now is also a great time to check your insurance policy to make sure everything is up to date, and you’re covered if you should need to make a winter claim.”

Simple Landlords Insurance has created a list of tips for landlords in winter, which can be viewed here.