One in ten homes damaged by weather

Wednesday, 23 January 2008 12:00 AM

As many as one in ten UK homes have been damaged by bad weather, according to research from Abbey Home Insurance.

With storms battering England and Wales earlier this week, Abbey finds 11 per cent of properties have sustained damaged in the previous five years.

Roofs and gardens sustained the most harm, but up to 25 per cent of damage occurs inside the home - loose roof tiles allowing water to leak through was a particular problem.

"Bad weather damage is a costly inconvenience and for some people, especially in flood areas, it is becoming a yearly nightmare," said Lloyd Wilson, head of Abbey Home Insurance Product Development.

"Our research shows that the risk of damage to our homes is an ever-increasing reality and we need to be prepared for it."

Abbey finds the average cost of damage to a property caused by weather is £2,699, with those in the south-west and Wales most likely to be affected.

However, in comparison, homeowners in Scotland are the most relaxed about weather damage, with only 29 per cent claiming to be concerned.

Furthermore, there are some positive effects of the phenomenon.

In bad weather some 59 per cent of Brits check on elderly relatives, neighbours or friends in the event of severe weather.

"The British weather is highly unpredictable but we can all ensure that should the worst happen we are correctly insured," added Mr Wilson.

However, in a separate study, Nationwide finds one in five Brits does not have home insurance, while of those that do, 25 per cent, do not know what is covered.

"It is surprising that so many people are prepared to take such a gamble on their homes and personal belongings when you consider how much time and money we all invest in our homes," said Nationwide's insurance director, Robin Bailey.

"You never know what is around the corner and for that reason it is vital that people are prepared by having adequate insurance."

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