·         Over a third (36 per cent) year-on-year increase in insurance claims for faulty boilers

·         Met Office predicts temperatures could fall to -3°C this month, increasing the risk of boiler malfunction

·         Winter months last year saw an 81 per cent increase in boiler claims compared to the annual monthly average

·         Sixth consecutive year in which the volume of insurance claims for faulty boilers has risen

 

Last winter saw a record number of claims for faulty boilers, reveals new analysis¹ by landlord insurer Direct Line for Business. Claims rose by 36 per cent last winter (the period from December to February) compared to the winter of 2016/17 as the Beast from the East wreaked havoc on British households, as temperatures fell as low as −11°C in some parts of the UK. This marked the sixth consecutive year in which the volume of insurance claims for faulty boilers has risen.

Following the warmest February on record, the Met Office is predicting that March could see snowfall and temperatures drop into negative numbers. Direct Line for Business is advising landlords that prevention is better than cure, warning they shouldn’t be complacent when it comes to maintaining their properties’ heating systems.  The winter months last year accounted for 81 per cent of the entire year’s boiler claims and the cost of repairing a faulty boiler currently stands at about 60 per cent more than the average UK monthly rent².

Sarah Larkin, Business Manager at Direct Line for Business said: “Last winter the Beast from the East and Storm Emma caused substantial damage to UK properties, contributing to a two-year high of £1.25 billion paid by insurers³. While Brits have enjoyed an unseasonably warm February, meteorologists are predicting a sharp fall in temperatures in March, so to prevent being caught out landlords should ensure that their properties all have fully serviced and insured boilers.

“Landlords are legally responsible for securing a safety certificate for gas appliances each year and they also need to ensure the heating and hot water systems are maintained and functioning properly. Direct Line for Business provides boiler breakdown cover as standard with buildings insurance. As long as the damage is not a maintenance issue or due to wear and tear, we’ll pay the cost of repairing, or if repair is not possible, then replace the broken boiler. We’ll also pay for additional portable heaters to help tenants try and stay warm while the issue is being fixed.”

Direct Line for Business has put together the following top tips for landlords:

• Keep your heating on low: Sudden cold temperatures can freeze your boilers external condensate pipe, which could cause your boiler to stop working. Insulating the pipes can help as well as keeping the heating on constantly but low when it’s very cold.
• Bleed your radiators: If your property isn’t getting as warm as you think it should be, there may be air trapped inside the heating system. Releasing air from the system is simple but you will need a key which can slot into the radiators bleed valve. If you still have a problem after doing this, you may need to call in the professionals.
• Keep your boiler maintained: Make sure you service your boiler and keep it maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check regularly for any warning signs such as leaks, cracks or noises as the sooner you can identify a problem, the easier it will be to fix.
• Turn off services when property is unoccupied: If you have an unoccupied property for an extended period, you may want to consider draining the water system and switching the utilities off. However, if it's in the winter months, when frost might occur, then keeping your central heating system on at a minimum temperature can help prevent frozen pipes. It is important to understand that insurers will have specific terms and conditions that apply if the property is unoccupied for an extended period so check your policy to make sure that you understand and comply with these.

If you’re considering buying a rental property and would like more information on the responsibilities and obligations associated with being a landlord, or for more tips and guidance, please visit the Landlord Knowledge Centre.

 

For more information about Direct Line’s Landlord Insurance click here: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/landlord-insurance

-Ends-

 

Notes to Editors

¹  Analysis of Direct Line for Business’s claims data, January 2009 – March 2018.

²  Average monthly rent of £932 according to the HomeLet Rental Index, January 2019.

³  Data published by the Association of British Insurers, 5^th June 2018.

 

For further information please contact:

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Samantha Stewart

Tel: 020 7282 2856

Email: [email protected]

 

Direct Line for Business

Unni Henry

Senior PR Consultant

Tel: 01903 636 149

Email: [email protected]  

 

Direct Line for Business

Launched in 2007 Direct Line for Business provides a range of insurance products for the small business sector direct by phone or on-line.

Direct Line for Business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line for Business and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line for Business products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting www.directlinegroup.co.uk