• Temperatures in parts of Scotland plunge to 5.1°C below the UK average in winter
• Even in the relatively mild South West of England the chilliest place is 2.4°C colder than the regional average
• Direct Line warns of surge in burst pipe claims as winter sets in

New analysis of average winter temperatures by Direct Line Home Insurance¹ reveals the postcodes that suffer through the coldest temperatures during the winter months. The coldest average temperatures are found in Scotland, with the PH19 postcode area of Dalwhinnie in the Highlands recording average winter temperatures of -2.39°C, 4.46°C colder than the Scottish average and 5.11°C colder than the UK average.

Those looking for warmer climes during winter would do well to head to the Isles of Scilly, where average temperatures are both the warmest and most reliable, with the lowest average recording sitting at a balmy 9.12°C, – only 0.04°C colder than the warmest postcode in the area.

Elsewhere, Alston in the Pennines (3.13°C colder), Bala in North Wales (2.83°C colder) and Moreton-in-Marsh near Chelmsford are the coldest places to live in their respective regions.

Table one: The coldest areas in each region, winter 2013-2017

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2018

With the temperature in Britain falling to an average of 2.7°C in winter, the analysis highlights the areas where the mercury drops the most compared to the surrounding area. The analysis shows the extreme changes in temperatures at a local level between neighbouring postcodes, varying by as much as 7.7°C between areas in Argyll and Bute where temperatures can be as high as 5.9°C or as low as -1.8°C.

At the other end of the spectrum, London has the most constant winter temperatures, with postcodes in the west of the capital experiencing the lowest variance in winter temperature and even this is only by 0.4°C.

Table two: The top counties in each region with the greatest variation in temperatures between postcodes, winter 2013-2017

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2018

Burst pipe warning

Further analysis² of home insurance claims by Direct Line reveals more than £21 million in damages is claimed for in relation to frozen pipes and escape of water every year, around £250,000 for every day of winter.

With temperatures expected to fall to their lowest levels in a decade this winter³, Direct Line is advising homeowners to ensure that they are fully covered for any eventuality once the temperature starts to fall.

Dan Simson, Head of Home Insurance at Direct Line, commented: “A burst pipe can not only be inconvenient and unpleasant, but can be an expensive issue to fix, often leaving households without heating or water for days and costing thousands of pounds to remedy.

“The research shows that typically many of the areas of the UK that are particularly affected by the cold are away from city centres and relatively isolated from nearby amenities. While a difference of a few degrees may not seem like much, when temperatures fall below freezing for a prolonged period of time it can have a major impact on a property. A burst pipe can cause substantial damage, as a small leak can end up releasing as much as 30 gallons of water in as little as two minutes, damaging flooring, plaster and contents around the home.

Direct Line’s top tips to avoid frozen pipes this winter

• Leave – the heating on at approximately 15 degrees to avoid pipes freezing
• Lift – your loft hatch so the warm air can circulate to pipes in all areas of your home
• Lag – make sure any external pipes to boilers have been lagged, this can be done easily and cheaply with supplies from your local DIY store
• Locate – find out now where your stopcock is and know how to turn off the water supply in event of an emergency. If you’ve not turned it on the last six months, try to do so now in case it needs fixing
• Look out – for your neighbours, friends, relatives, and anyone less able to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures

For further information and tips on how to prepare your home for winter, please visit https://www.directline.com/home-cover/prepare-property-for-winter

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

• ¹Direct Line analysis of WeatherNet average daily temperatures by postcode area for December to February 2013/14 to 2017/18. Average winter temperatures were then calculated for every postcode area, county and region and compared on a local level to display the differences in local average winter temperatures. For the purposes of this analysis, the term “winter” covers 1st December to 28th/29th February.
• ²Direct Line analysis of claims data made for escape of water during periods of freezing temperatures for the period January 2013 – March 2018. Analysis conducted in October 2018. Total figures calculated based on Direct Line Group’s market share.
• ³World Meteorological Organisation forecasts for winter 2018/19.

 

For further information please contact:

 

Emma Cava 
PR manager

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715

Email: [email protected]

Samantha Stewart

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

[email protected]

0207 282 2856

 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general 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 and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/home-cover