As the country basks in the hottest summer for many years, your property could be suffering unseen damage
A recent report issued by LV says it is currently dealing with claims costs totaling £1.2million following the extreme heat between 17 to 20 July from both subsidence and fire damage and this is likely increase further after the recent hot weather.
According to information provided the soil moisture deficit is currently at the same levels seen in 2018, when subsidence claims rose by over 50% on the previous year
LV said the claims in July were mainly caused by fires starting in nearby areas which spread into homeowners gardens causing damages to outbuildings, fences but some also involved the total loss of the homes themselves
Fire claims are not the only risk after the hot summer months, there is likely to be an increase in Subsidence claim which is caused when the ground beneath the building sinks, pulling the property’s foundation down with it.
Will insurance cover you for heatwave damage?
Most home insurance policies will cover households for damage from heatwaves including if their home is affected by subsidence or damaged by smoke, fire or wildfires.
Consumers should also be covered for any damage to their contents from heatwave related damage as well as cover for alternative accommodation if needed.
Top tips to help prevent subsidence
Prune trees and large shrubs to prevent soil from drying out. Seek professional advice from a tree specialist if you need to.
Check water pipes and guttering for leaks which can wash away or soften soil.
Lay porous materials around the home, like gravel or grass, to allow water to drain naturally.
Avoid using artificial grass as this reduces the amount of water getting to the soil and will dry it out, as well as reflect the sun’s rays.
Top tips to help prevent fires:
Keep any reflective materials out of the sun if left in the garden.
Put away gas BBQ cylinders when not in use.
Ensure the fire in a firepit or chimenea is completely out before leaving it unattended.
Manage compost heaps by turning regularly to ensure they don’t become overly dry.
Make sure your property has the correct fire safety equipment. Smoke alarms are a must for both homes and commercial properties. Make sure they are regularly tested to ensure they are working properly.
Location, location, location: be aware of what’s around you. Don’t set fires near fences or buildings as fire can quickly spread and make sure there is nothing in the immediate vicinity that might be damaged if things do go wrong.
Avoid fires in your garden and if you must, never leave them unattended: It only takes a few seconds for a fire to get out of control and particularly in dry conditions, sparks could cause a fire further away. The rule is simple – always have someone to keep watch over any barbecue, firepit or stove. When it comes to bonfires, they should be avoided during hot, dry weather.
Be mindful of weather conditions: Rainfall has been scarce across many parts of the UK so grass and plants are likely to catch fire much more easily. Windy conditions are also a hazard as they can quickly spread flames over a large area in a small space of time and can carry sparks further away, so be sure to pick the right conditions for your blaze.
Keep a bucket of water or sand on stand-by: Hopefully, a precaution that you won’t need to use, but it’s much better to be prepared so you can respond quickly if a fire does get out of hand.
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