Homeowners Urged to Prevent Frozen Pipe Damage Amid Cold Weather

Homeowners in the UK are being cautioned about the risks of burst frozen pipes as winter temperatures drop. Allianz UK, a major insurer, reported payouts of £20 million for damage caused by frozen pipes between January 2023 and September 2025, processing a total of 345 claims. One significant incident involved a four-bedroom house that incurred £566,000 in damages while the owner was abroad.

The Independent

Graham Wright, managing director of home insurance at Allianz UK, emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent low heat in homes, particularly when owners are away. He advised homeowners to insulate their lofts and use quality lagging around pipes and water tanks to prevent freezing. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) echoed these sentiments, urging individuals to take necessary precautions as colder weather approaches, with temperatures already plummeting to minus 10°C in some regions.

The Independent

Mark Shepherd, assistant director and head of general insurance policy at ABI, stated, “With a cold snap ahead, people need to put their safety first and follow weather warnings and advice.” He highlighted the need for homeowners to protect their properties from cold weather and ensure vehicle safety.

The Independent

In 2024, home insurers settled approximately 8,000 claims related to weather-induced pipe damage, totaling £250 million. The average claim for such incidents was reported at £33,000, underscoring the financial impact of frozen pipes on homeowners. Allianz UK noted that many burst-pipe incidents occur when individuals leave their homes unattended during cold spells.

The Independent

To mitigate the risk of frozen pipes, Allianz UK suggests that homeowners planning to leave their properties unoccupied for extended periods should take proactive measures. These include checking weather forecasts, draining water tanks, turning off water at stop cocks, maintaining heating at a minimum of 13°C, and arranging for regular visits to the home.

The Independent

While the advice from insurers is aimed at preventing damage, some critics argue that the responsibility placed on homeowners may not adequately address underlying issues, such as the need for improved infrastructure and support from local authorities during extreme weather conditions.

The Independent

• “Burst pipes can cause a large amount of damage so it’s a good idea to keep your heating on a constant low heat when you’re out, and for homeowners to insulate their loft and use good quality lagging, especially around pipes and water tanks, so they don’t freeze.” — Graham Wright, Managing Director of Home Insurance, Allianz UK

The Independent

• “open image in gallery Bamburgh Castle surrounded by snow in Bamburgh, Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) ( PA Wire ) Mark Shepherd, assistant director and head of general insurance policy at ABI, said last week: “With a cold snap ahead, people need to put their safety first and follow weather warnings and advice.” — Mark Shepherd, Assistant Director, ABI

The Independent

As the UK braces for more wintry weather, homeowners are urged to take these warnings seriously to avoid costly damages from frozen pipes.

The Independent