Nobody wants to be handed a big bill this side of the festive season, and making one simple property check could mean you’ll be less likely to be out of pocket. If you haven’t checked outside your property for a while, you may want to think about doing so soon, as there could be a problem you’re unaware of developing.
Autumn might bring with it crisp walks and crackling fires but those falling leaves, that look like something out of a fairytale, can soon turn into big trouble. In fact, experts are warning homeowners that clogged drains and gutters can cause water to overflow and, in some cases, cause flooding or damp damage, potentially leading to months of stress and repairs and hefty bills.
If you want to avoid this problem, you just need to clean them up. And, if anything is clogged up, there’s a trick you can use to try and unblock key areas too.
Insurance expert, Matt Durrant, Managing Director at i4me, says it’s not about whether insurers will pay out, but instead you should try to avoid the mess altogether. He said: “If your property suffers water damage because of blocked drains or gutters, it would generally be covered under your home insurance.
“There’s no rule that says you have to keep your gutters spotless, but staying on top of it is the easiest way to stop problems before they start and avoid a potential claim.”
Some people might think an insurance claim will automatically be rejected if a gutter is blocked, but it’s not always the case. Matt said maintenance conditions are very rare and, even if your policy does have one, it’s difficult to prove whether cleaning was done or not.
Matt explained: “It’s very rare to see a policy that insists on regular gutter or drain cleaning. The real issue isn’t insurers refusing claims – it’s the disruption floods cause.
“Imagine having to move out while repairs are done – juggling school runs, pets and commuting. That’s the real headache.”
A quick clean-up now could save you time and money in the future. Here’s how to keep your home safe from any surprises:
Clean gutters and drains before and after heavy rainfall to stop water pooling
Sweep away fallen leaves and debris from patios, driveways and around drain covers
Trim overhanging trees so branches and leaves don’t block gutters
Look for early warning signs such as damp patches, dripping overflows and water staining
Take photos and keep receipts if you do get help. This can act as proof in a claim
It’s not just your house that is at risk when bad weather hits. Items like BBQs, patio furniture and toys might not be fully covered by your insurance if they get damaged.
Most insurance policies limit “contents in the open” to around £1,000, meaning you could be out of pocket. Matt added: “It’s also worth checking your cover.
“If you’ve spent a lot on outdoor kit, you can usually raise the limit before the worst weather hits.” While keeping gutters clear might be a chore, it’s one of the easiest ways you can protect your home, and avoid the chaos that a flood will cause.
A quick half-hour tidy up this autumn could save you months of stress and thousands in damage. It’s well worth knowing before the winter months set in.
And, if you need help to clean certain areas, you can always call in professionals for advice. There are always people on hand to help you who are experts in the field.
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