30 October 2023
Freeze Hub
Welcome to the Freeze Hub for everything you need before, during or after a frost.
protecting your home from a Freeze
With the increase in extreme weather in the UK,
find out how you can protect your home and keep the cold out.
Cold damage prevention checklist
Here are the key measures you can take to prevent damage from the cold
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Check pipes for leaks or drips.
Look for split, dripping, rusting or oxidised pipes and joints, and run the taps to make sure that water is free flowing. -
Repair dripping taps
It’s important to get leaky taps, showers and toilets fixed by a plumber, as even small trickles of water can lead to frozen pipes. -
Insulate pipes and tanks
Use lagging on your pipes and tanks in loft spaces and other draughty areas, such as garages and outbuildings, to prevent them from freezing. -
Test your stop tap
Make sure you know where your internal stop tap (also known as an isolation valve or stopcock) is located. It’s the quickest way to stop a water leak. Test it by turning it on and off several times, as stop taps can seize up. -
Consider fitting a leak detector
Leak detectors monitor your usual water use and can turn off the water if they detect a leak. Alternatively, you can use your water meter to check for leaks. -
Insulate windows
Buy weather strips or insulation foam from stores and apply it to your windows. It’ll stop cold from getting in and doesn’t cost too much. -
Doors
Use draught excluders around doors to help keep your home warm and reduce energy bills.
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Tiles
Check your roof for missing tiles, not forgetting felt on sheds and garages*. -
Gutters
Keep your gutters, gullies and drains, including downpipes, clear of leaves and debris*. -
Taps
Insulate external taps with lagging to prevent them freezing. -
External pipes
Insulate external pipes with lagging to prevent them freezing. -
Paths
Clear them of ice, using sand, grit or salt.
*You may want to call in a professional rather than attempt to inspect high roofs or gutters yourself.
Freeze: Tips to prevent damage
Find out what you can do to prevent damage to your home and keep warm; when the temperatures drop.
Do you need to make a claim?
If your home has been affected by extreme weather, we understand how distressing it can be and we're here to help as best we can.
NEXT STEPS
1. Check your home insurance cover and excess view policy documents. If you bought your Ageas policy via an Insurance Broker, please contact your broker and ask to see your policy wording.
2. Gather what you need to make a claim online
3. Make a claim online, it's quick and easy
4. Need to check an existing claim? You can manage it online
5. If you'd prefer to speak to someone, or for more information to make a claim, you can get in touch via our virtual assistant
Make a claim
If you need to register a new claim or manage an existing claim, it's quick, easy and 24/7 online.
extreme weather: WHAT IS AND ISN'T COVERED
Not sure what your cover includes? Here's an overview. Read more
What isn't covered?
- Hot tub covers
- Swimming pools
- Gates
- Fences
Please note this relates to our standard Ageas Extra Home Insurance policy. If you bought your Ageas policy via an Insurance Broker, please contact your broker and ask to see your policy wording.
Tips for driving in bad weather
Bad weather usually means challenging driving conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds; or ice and snow. See our driving tips; or if you've been affected, make a claim.
What to do after a freeze
FInd out what you can do to reduce the damage to your home, once the freeze starts to thaw.
Frequently asked questions
We've outlined the steps that you should take if you need to check for damage or make a claim.
How to make your claim
If you need to know exactly what your home insurance covers, the quickest way is to check your policy documents. Here is a quick overview.
- This will depend on the cover you have. If you have buildings cover, in the event of a successful claim, any part of your building which has been damaged as a result of the extreme weather will be covered.
- If you have contents cover, then any damaged contents will be covered.
- Policy limits are shown in your policy documentation.
- Fences, gates, trees and hedges are not covered in the event of storm damage under your buildings cover. Please refer to your policy booklet as some garden items may be covered under contents cover if you have that.
- Is your property uninhabitable or unsecured?
- Do you need to make us aware of any exceptional circumstances affecting you or someone you live with?
- If so, then please get in touch by calling 0345 165 5753 and we'll get you to the right person as soon as possible.
We understand that some customers like to stay in their own homes where possible, so we can provide facilities like temporary kitchens and bathrooms to enable you to do so. If you do have to leave the property, we will help you make those arrangements, whether this is staying with relatives or checking into suitable alternative accommodation.
For more information on alternative accommodation cover please refer to your policy documentation.
Supporting all customers
Life can bring challenges, and we understand this can look different for all our customers. We’re committed to working in a way that supports your individual needs and circumstances.
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, are facing a challenging life event or need help with the way that we communicate with you, we’d like to help.
Where else can I get help?
If you need additional support with your health, wellbeing or finances, you don't have to face anything alone. There are numerous charities and organisations you can reach out to.