Did you know that weather damage is the UK’s single biggest cause of property related insurance claims? From floods and leaks to damaged roofs and gale force winds, it’s critical that you protect your business from the wrath of Mother Nature. With winter on the way, the time has never been more imminent to ensure that you have an adequate property insurance policy in place. To help emphasise the absolute necessity, we’ve put together this insider’s guide looking at some of the most common winter risks and how to avoid them.
Floods
Unfortunately there isn’t much anyone can do about floods. Other than sandbag your property, seal any gaps and move valuable stock to a higher level, you just have to roll with the punches and hope the damage isn’t too severe. Thankfully, there is a way to ensure that the aftermath isn’t too devastating for your business’s bank account. Taking out an adequate insurance policy is the only way to make sure that flood damage does not cripple your finances. Sites such as Peacock Insurance are a great place to start and trawl the net for all the best deals on business insurance.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are a very real issue faced by businesses across the nation. When the temperature drops water begins to freeze which can cause blockages as well as cracked pipes and leaks. The most effective way to avoid frozen pipes is to keep your heating running at regular intervals. In a worst case scenario, a good business insurance policy will cover the cost of any damages incurred during the winter months.
Leaks and drips
In the lead up to winter it’s important to give your property a thorough check over and ensure that it is 100% water tight. If you have any existing issues this could compromise your insurance claim in the case of more extensive damage.
Clear gutters and prune trees
One of the most common forms of flooding is due to blocked drains and gutters. Before the extreme winter weather hits allocate some time to clearing out your drains and gutters of any debris in order to keep water flowing away from your property. It’s also a good idea to prune any nearby trees to minimise the risk of smashed windows.
No matter what sector you operate in, no business is safe from the harsh winter weather. If you want to give yourself complete peace of mind over the Christmas period and beyond, start looking into comprehensive business insurance policies today!