Insurance: beware the twists that could catch you out

What temperature would you suggest wavechange? Bearing in mind that most pipes etc are not in the main living areas but in the colder parts of a property.

I assume that the reason for requiring a minimum temperature is to avoid claims due to burst pipes. On that basis, perhaps the company should say that they will not entertain claims due to damage resulting from burst pipes during the winter months. The first priority for the householder is to turn off the water when they are away.

Prevention of freezing depends greatly on the design of the plumbing and heating systems and the amount of insulation. One of the problems introduced by improved loft insulation is that piping above the insulation is not warmed very much by heat rising from the room below. The advice used to be to ensure that there was no insulation under cold water tank in the roof space. If I was a plumber or heating engineer I would try to make sure that the piping is installed as far as possible under the insulation. There are so many variables and you are right in pointing out that it’s not the living areas that are the main problem. On a really cold, windy night I once had hot and cold water pipes freeze despite the fact that my kitchen was kept at 20C overnight. The pipes were embedded in an exposed north-facing wall of the kitchen and I knew that this room and a north-facing bathroom were at greatest risk. Fortunately, the pipes thawed without problem and it did not happen again.

Central heating pipes can be protected by leaving the heating on continuously and setting the thermostatic valves at the frost protection or other low setting or adding antifreeze that is compatible with the corrosion inhibitor in the system.

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.

I used to sell car insurance and renew it and it was always interesting how one could shape premiums depending on what you input or the description /job title., and which insurer favoured what profile. I was always keen to generate the best price … and then take into account loyalty bonuses from having other insurances with the same company.

I note you said “the Driver” and my reaction therefore is that the breaking into garages is sufficiently high in the area where he lives that apparently the street is safer. That may be contra but currently garaging cars is actually a requirement under some policies as the cars are attractive to thieves. Certainly my neighbours 4×4 is covered by that clause type.

However the concept of the article to point out apparent anomalies is good in that it is memorable. Unfortunately I am worried some people will take it as gospel that cars are safer in the street.

I believe it would help all members of the actual process was broken down and a lengthy piece written on the possibly 100 factors that will affect an individual quote for a car. And even why some cars are far cheaper than others to insure despite being class size similar.

Not every casual reader will want to delve now but I suspect at renewal or new car time many of the intelligent subscribers would like to get a feel as to the variables.

This is the kind of in depth article that would form a core part of a CAwiki offering to members.