Home insurance - tips & advice - home maintenance

Here are some tips to reduce the extent of any damage to your home and contents:

Carpets

• Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe up spillages.
• If carpets are wet, do not turn up the heating – this may cause carpets to shrink.
• Circulate cool air – open a window.
• Try cleaning spilt emulsion paint with warm, soapy water.
• Cover up spilt gloss paint with clingfilm and call a carpet specialist.

Storm damage

• If emergency repairs are needed to make your home safe, go ahead and authorise the repairs as soon as possible – and ask the contractor for an itemised invoice.
• If the damage is extensive, try and take a photograph before it is repaired. This will help us settle your claim later.

Drains

• Regular cleaning can help drains last a lifetime – caustic soda will fight germs and help clear blockages.
• Try using a garden hose to force water to clear blockages.

Essential services

• If gas, water or electricity supplies are affected, contact your supplier immediately for assistance – their number is usually at the top of your bill.
• Keep a note of all emergency numbers for your essential services.

Security

• If your property is insecure following a break-in, go ahead and authorise the repairs yourself, and ask the contractor for an itemised invoice.
• If your house keys have been stolen, you do have cover under Direct Line Contents insurance to have your locks changed immediately.

Fire

• Have smoke alarms fitted and tested regularly.
• Work out the best exits from your house, especially from higher level rooms.
• If in any doubt, ask your local Fire Prevention Officer to visit.
• And most important of all – contact Direct Line immediately to register your claim and get further advice on what to do next!

These pages are for information only and do not form part of any contract or policy.