18 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 outbuildings1 -
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
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 make all home claims online 24/7. It's quick, simple and secure.
Optional cover claims work a little differently. If you need to make a Home Emergency or Legal Expenses claim, go to optional cover claims
NEXT STEPS
- Check your home insurance policy and excess: view policy documents.
- Gather what you need to make a claim
-Your policy number. You can find this on your confirmation email or documents in your online account.
-Photos of the damage, or photos of the lost or stolen items if you have them
-Any relevant receipts or quotes, which will help with your claim.
-If there has been a theft you should report it to the police.
The more details you can give us, the quicker we can progress your claim. - Make your claim online
- Need to check an existing claim? You can manage it online
If you still have questions about making a claim, visit our help hub to view our home claims FAQs. If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can get in touch 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
If you make a claim then your No Claims Discount may be affected. Factors such as, who was at fault, previous claims and whether you have opted to protect your NCD will all be considered.
No Claims Discount protection does not protect the overall price of your insurance policy. The price of your insurance policy may increase following an accident even if you were not at fault.
View all car claims questions
We have a network of approved repairers who will take care of your vehicle, getting you back on the road as soon as possible.
View all car claims questions
Making a claim can sometimes lead to an increase in renewal price, but this will be based on the individual circumstances of the incident.
We've gathered details on what you need to know before you make a claim, to help you through the process.
Find out more about making a car insurance claim
View all car claims questions
- 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.