Putting your holiday home into hibernation

Whether it’s for your own personal use, or a holiday let, having a holiday home can be great excuse to escape for a long weekend, especially during the warmer months. Whilst it may get lots of love over the summer, it’s important that you don’t forget about your second haven during the winter – when occupancy is more infrequent.

To help, here are some things to consider when closing up for the winter months.

Reducing the risk of frozen pipes

Although winter temperatures can be mild at times, the British weather can change at the drop of a hat and freezing temperatures can cause significant and costly damage to a property’s pipes. The ABI said damage and disruption from frozen and burst pipes can be significant, with it highlighting that insurers settled roughly 12,000 weather-related claims for burst pipes in 2023. The trade body also revealed that the average claim for this type of incident exceeded £17,0001.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your pipes freezing:

• Make sure your boiler has had its annual service.
• Repair any dripping taps, fittings or cisterns and insulate all exposed pipes – paying special attention to pipes in unheated areas such as loft spaces or garages.
• Maintain the water temperature by keeping the heating on low – the best energy-saving solution is to use a timer programme. This should be between 10-12 degrees as a minimum, but each insurers’ temperature range may vary, so it’s important to check your holiday home insurance policy and comply with any specific requirements.
• Turn off the water at the stopcock

There are also smart devices available:

• A smart central heating device, like the Hive system, allows a more accurate control of the heating, particularly when connected to radiator thermostats. This can help ensure that there are no cold spots in a property, particularly useful if the property is empty in the winter months.
• A water leak detector can reduce the risk of water damage should you have a burst pipe. The more advanced devices will automatically shut off the incoming water mains supply. Simpler shut-off valves are also available, and these enable the homeowner to manually turn off the water when leaving the property unattended for longer periods of time.

For more information on how you can prevent your pipes from freezing, and what you should do if you have a frozen pipe, read our article: Escape of water and the winter months

Holiday home security

Here are some things you can do whilst your holiday home is empty:

• Ensure your security arrangements are working and in operation – doors and windows locked, alarm set, CCTV on and fully charged.
• Put interior lights on a timer – to put off any unwanted visitors.
• Place valuable items out of sight.

The onward march of technology has brought with it Smarthome devices that can help with home security. For example, smart devices can be used to turn on lights, close the curtains, or turn on the radio via Alexa, Siri or HomeAssistant.

Holiday home inspections

A holiday home insurance policy usually has a requirement to check the property every 7, 14, or 21 days. Whilst you may have arrangements already in place to carry these checks out, it’s worth having a backup – especially during the festive period. Here are some things to consider:

• Speak to trusted neighbours – a familiar resident nearby may be able to operate internal checks should your usual arrangements be unavailable.
• Research local agencies – depending on your location, there could be an opportunity for companies to check on your property. Check for local agents in your area.
• Make the most of the space – thinking of changing up your plans this year? Have any friends or family looking to switch up their festive break? See if there’s anyone close to you that wants a change of scenery this year – it could benefit them, and you!

If you can’t meet your policies internal inspection requirements, let your insurance broker or insurer know.

How Howden can help

At Howden Private Client, we understand that a holiday home isn’t just a property – it’s a lifestyle investment that deserves specialist protection. Our role goes beyond arranging insurance, we work with you to protect what matters most.

• We’ll take the time to understand your property, its location, and how you use it. We’ll make practical recommendations to help reduce risks, from security upgrades to smart technology solutions. By improving your home’s risk profile, you can often benefit from lower premiums and fewer policy restrictions.
• If you’re planning to leave your holiday home unoccupied for an extended period, we can introduce you to vetted security providers and property management companies who can carry out inspections, install advanced systems, and give you peace of mind while you’re away.
• Whether your holiday home is for personal use or let to guests, we’ll negotiate with leading insurers to secure comprehensive cover. From escape of water to theft prevention, we’ll ensure your policy meets the requirements of second-home ownership.

With Howden, you have a team of specialists on hand to answer questions, review your arrangements, and support you if the unexpected happens and you need to make a claim. We’re here to make sure your holiday home is protected all year round.

To speak to us about your second home insurance, call 020 8256 4908 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Sources
1. ABI warns of costly burst pipe claims as cold weather hits | Insurance Times