19 July 2024
Heat Hub
Welcome to the Heat Hub for everything you need to protect your home from extreme heat
protecting your home from the heat
With the increase in extreme temperatures in the UK,
find out how you can protect your home, belongings and loved ones.
Fire prevention checklist
High temperatures increase the risk of fire. Here are some key measures to help reduce the risks inside and outside your home.
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
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BBQs/firepits/bonfires
Be extra careful with open fires and don’t leave them unattended -
Grass
Maintain and keep short in prolonged hot spells -
Cigarettes or matches
Ensure they are put out properly before discarding -
Lithium batteries
Keep items with lithium batteries out of direct sunlight – e.g. mobile phones, rechargeable toys, laptops -
Flammable substances
Keep items such as car oil or pesticides out of direct sunlight -
Trees
Maintain trees and shrubs and remove growth that is very close to the property -
Gutters
Remove build up of leaves and moss from gutters
INSIDE YOUR HOME
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Alarms
Test fire, heat and smoke alarms to ensure they work -
Mirrors or vases
Be aware of sunlight on mirrors or glass vases on windowsills that reflect and magnify the sun -
Lithium batteries
Charge e-scooters and e-bikes out of direct sunlight; without blocking exits or doorways.
Heat damage prevention checklist
Here are some key factors that can cause subsidence and heat damage; and what to look out for.
SUBSIDENCE
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Trees
Avoid planting trees too close to your home, garage or outbuildings* -
Clay soil
Cracks and shifts during hot weather when there’s less moisture in the ground. In wet conditions, it swells. -
Drainage & leaking drains
Make sure drains are free-flowing. Don’t put the wrong things down drains or create blockages -
Driveways
Ensure they have correct drainage in place, including a soakaway, to avoid surface flooding or damage to the structure of the property
*The (ABI) suggests willows should be no closer than 40 metres from the nearest building, poplars 35 metres away and oaks and elms 30 metres away.
HEAT DAMAGE
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Protect your roof
Add protective UV coating to the roof surface to help reduce the risk of roof damage, and possible leaks. Install an attic fan in your loft -
Maintain weatherboard & cladding
Maintain with filler or heat-resistant paint. Alternatively replace with fibre cement weatherboarding that’s fire resistant -
Reduce window heat
Reduce heat with blackout blinds, curtains or sunscreens on your windows. Alternatively, add heat-control film to windows.
Heat: Prevent and Protect
Find out what you can do to prevent damage to your home and how to keep cool; when the temperatures soar.
Do you need to make a claim?
If your home has been affected, we're here to help as best we can.
You can register the following home claims online: Storm Damage, Accidental Damage, Escape of Water, Loss or Theft of Personal Belongings and Freezer Food.
You will need to talk to one of our team for fire or subsidence claims.
NEXT STEPS
1. Check your home insurance cover and excess: view your policy documents.
If you bought your Ageas policy via a Broker, please check your policy booklet as your cover may be different.
2. Gather what you need to make a claim and check if you can make the claim online
3. If you can, start your 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
Have you been affected?
If you've been affected, we're here to help if you need to make a claim.
Make a claim
If you need to register a new claim or manage an existing claim, it's quick, easy and 24/7 online.
Tips for driving in the heat
Sweltering heat can bring new challenges when you're driving, we've got some pointers to make it easier.
Flood Hub
Thunderstorms and flash floods can often follow a heatwave, for tips to help prevent flood damage, check out the Flood Hub.
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.