Burst pipes, boiler issues and weather-related damage can cause major disruption and costly repairs. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurers paid a record £585m for weather-related home damage in 2024.
The good news is that a bit of preparation now can reduce cold weather risks and help keep your home warm, efficient and protected.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to protecting your home this winter.
Protect exposed pipes
Laura Lazarus, head of home claims at Aviva, says: “When temperatures drop, water inside your pipes can freeze and if the ice expands, it may cause them to burst, leading to serious water damage. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent this.
“Start by insulating any exposed pipes and your cold-water tank, especially those in the loft or outside. This not only helps protect your home but could also improve energy efficiency. Check taps for leaks by turning them off fully – if they still drip, it’s best to get them repaired.”
Why Life Insurance Still Matters – Even During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Sponsored by Post Office
If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly can limit damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the stopcock is, and check regularly that it turns freely.
Seal draughts and heat-escape gaps
A warm home isn’t just about your boiler output – it’s also about preventing heat from escaping. Draughts around windows, doors, loft hatches and floorboards let heat escape, making your central heating work harder and raising energy bills.
Simple fixes like weatherstripping, silicone sealant, door brushes and draught excluders can block unwanted airflow, helping your home stay warmer, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.
Clear gutters and downpipes
When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water can’t flow through them freely. In freezing weather, this trapped water can turn to ice. Ice expansion may lead to blocked downpipes, damage to guttering and even cracks in exterior walls.
“Clearing leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes helps prevent water build-up, which can lead to leaks. If you’re unable to check them yourself, consider hiring a professional to take a look,” advises Lazarus.
Maintain a minimum indoor temperature
It may be tempting to save money by turning off the heating when you’re away from home. But turning the heating off completely can increase the risk of frozen pipes.
Instead, keep a steady baseline temperature of around 12–15°C to prevent freezing, without wasting energy. If you have a smart thermostat, use it to monitor temperatures remotely and receive alerts if your home gets too cold.
Service your boiler
Your boiler works hardest during the winter months, which is precisely when it’s most likely to fail if it hasn’t been properly maintained. An annual service by a qualified engineer ensures the system is running efficiently and safely, reducing the likelihood of a winter breakdown.
Don’t forget to check your boiler’s external condensate pipe, which is prone to freezing during prolonged cold spells. Insulating this pipe or ensuring it has a suitable gradient for drainage can prevent inconvenient failures.
Be prepared for floods
You can check your home’s flood risk using the Government’s flood risk checker.
If your property is at risk and heavy rain is forecast, move valuable items to higher levels – ideally upstairs – to help protect them. If flood water enters your home, avoid touching any electrical items, as they could be dangerous. Contact your insurer as soon as possible; they’ll be best placed to guide you through the claims process.
Review home insurance cover
Finally, take time to review your home insurance. Check that your policy includes adequate cover for escape of water, boiler breakdowns and storm or frost damage.
Sam Wilson, home insurance expert at Compare the Market, says: “Most buildings and contents policies include some level of protection against storm and weather damage, so if your home is hit by roof or water damage, your insurer could help with repairs. But it’s important to note that certain exclusions are common. Damage to fences and gates is often not covered, for example. As insurers use specific definitions to determine what constitutes a storm event, it can sometimes be tricky to prove damage is storm related.
“Documenting any damage with photos before carrying out repairs, and keeping receipts for any items you plan to claim back on, will be invaluable.”
UInsure was voted the best home insurance provider in the 2025 Your Money Personal Finance Awards.
Home emergency cover can also be useful during the winter months, providing rapid access to tradespeople for urgent repairs.
“Home emergency policies typically offer a 24/7 helpline and accelerate the process of sending out tradespeople, covering the immediate costs to make your home secure and habitable,” says Saga’s home insurance expert Anna Thunstrom, “You’ll still need to contact your insurer as they will be the ones covering the costs for any damage caused.”
