UK DIY News
Homeowners Putting Off Home Maintenance Risk Costly Insurance Claims
Almost one in four home insurance claims are caused by burst pipes and household leaks, making 'escape of water' the UK's most common insurance claim.
Google searches for "water damage insurance" have increased by 60% in the past year as concern grows over costly household repairs.
Thousands of homeowners are searching for advice on maintenance jobs, from sealing bathrooms to clearing gutters and repairing pipework - all of which can help reduce the risk of costly damage.
The AA has launched a free Home Maintenance Scheduler to help homeowners stay on top of essential jobs throughout the year.
Millions of homeowners could be leaving themselves vulnerable to costly home insurance claims by putting off simple maintenance jobs, according to new research from The AA Home Insurance.
The study found that 'escape of water' - the insurance term for damage caused by burst pipes, faulty plumbing and household leaks - accounted for 24.4% of all claims made during the past year.
The AA also found homeowners are increasingly turning to Google for help with everyday maintenance tasks that can reduce the likelihood of these incidents, suggesting many only seek advice once problems begin to emerge.
Ahead of autumn and winter, experts at The AA are urging homeowners to get on top of routine maintenance, warning that small problems such as blocked gutters, dripping pipes and worn bathroom seals can quickly become costly repairs once colder, wetter weather arrives.
Burst pipes and household leaks top UK home insurance claims
The AA Home Insurance claims data showed that almost one in four claims stemmed from burst pipes, leaking radiators, faulty appliances or damaged plumbing. These incidents made up the single biggest cause of home insurance claims, ahead of accidental damage (18.3%) and storm damage (17.1%).
Homeowners are searching for help with the very jobs that could prevent costly insurance claims
Alongside its insurance claims analysis, The AA examined Google search behaviour to understand which home maintenance jobs Brits are seeking help with online.
Many of the UK's most searched-for maintenance questions relate to spotting problems before they become expensive repairs. Homeowners are searching for advice on everything from resetting boilers and sealing bathrooms to clearing gutters, repairing roof leaks and fixing pipework.
The findings suggest many homeowners lack confidence when it comes to routine home maintenance, with many turning to Google for advice on jobs that could help identify problems early and prevent costly repairs.
how to reset boiler - 15,600 annual Google searches
how to seal bathroom - 12,000
how to clear drains - 10,560
how to clean gutters - 10,560
how to repair roof leak - 4,680
how to repair roof tiles - 4,680
how to repair leaking pipes - 4,680
Prevention is better than cure
While home insurance provides valuable financial protection when unexpected incidents occur, many of the UK's most common household problems begin with small issues that worsen over time if left unchecked.
To help homeowners stay on top of routine maintenance throughout the year, The AA has created a free Home Maintenance Scheduler, helping households plan essential seasonal jobs that could reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
Jack Cousens from AA Insurance said:
"Many homeowners don't think about maintenance until something goes wrong, but some of the UK's most common insurance claims start with problems that are often small enough to spot early.
"Most serious water damage doesn't happen overnight. It often starts with something as simple as a dripping pipe, blocked gutter or a worn bathroom seal. Left unchecked, those small issues can quickly become some of the most expensive repairs a homeowner will face.
"Simple routine maintenance throughout the year can make a real difference. Spending just a few minutes carrying out routine checks could help prevent expensive repairs, reduce disruption and avoid the stress of making an insurance claim.
"Our Home Maintenance Scheduler has been designed to help homeowners stay one step ahead by making it easier to know what jobs need doing and when."
The full research can be found here: https://www.theaa.com/home-insurance/advice/home-maintenance-tasks-that-can-help-avoid-costly-insurance-claims
Source : The AA
Image : Radiator Sinenkiy / iStock / 1501145625
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