Check home insurance before cold snap

Posted : 28-02-2006

Homeowners are being warned to check how comprehensive their home insurance cover is, as the Met Office predicts that bitterly cold temperatures are set to hit Britain this week.

Problems associated with extreme cold are not limited to frozen pipes, but vermin infestation as well as cold temperatures drive unwelcome friends inside.

According to research from ICM, 11 per cent of UK homeowners have had a pest problem in the past year, with an unwelcome bill for removal at the end of it.

And this is the time of year when homeowners are most likely to suffer from rodent infestation, as mice, rats and squirrels look for a means of escaping the cold.

There are several measures homeowners can take to reduce their chance of a rodent problem, but owners should check to see whether this is covered by their home insurance policy.

esure.com has published some advice for homeowners on how to safeguard their homes from structural and contents damage from a rodent infestation.

Homeowners should not provide them with a food source by cleaning up spilled rubbish, clear any potential nesting materials to prevent them becoming to comfortable and fix and replace cracked or broken doors or windows and make sure that drains and drain covers are in a good state of repair to prevent them access.

Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure.com, said: "Homeowners should make their home as 'rodent proof' as possible during cold spells when mice and rats are on the look out for a warm place to nest and easy access to food.

"Be extra vigilant and do not delay in seeking professional advice if you notice any tell-tale signs such as gnawed wires or droppings. Eradicating pest problems can be costly and leave homeowners with unexpected hefty bills."


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