Summer should be a season of rest, sunshine and barbecues rather than worry about your home. Yet the warm months can bring specific risks that many homeowners overlook. Leaving windows open, hosting garden parties, holiday travel and the strain of burst pipes from evening temperature drops all bring hazards. Now is the time to check that your home insurance and emergency cover are fit for purpose.

Summer Risk Checklist

It is important to consider the main summer threats your home might face and whether your policy provides adequate protection:

Accidental damage
This includes mishaps like breaking a window or damaging internal walls during DIY. Most standard policies exclude this unless the option is added separately¹.

Fire
BBQs, patio heaters and outdoor fires may seem harmless but pose serious risks. Check that your policy covers fire damage from such activities, especially close to the house.

Theft
Gardening tools, outdoor furniture or bicycles can be attractive targets when left outside, especially when homes are unoccupied on holidays.

Water leaks or burst pipes
Summer showers or heater malfunctions can cause sudden water damage. Most buildings policies include sudden leaks but may not cover the cost of locating the leak unless that option is added².

Storm or weather damage
Extreme weather and storms remain a threat even in summer. Structural damage from fallen branches or flooding is normally covered, but you should confirm the level of excess and limits of your policy.

Policy Add-Ons to Consider

Many homeowners are unaware of additional options that could prove vital:

• Garden theft cover
  Standard contents policies may exclude items kept outside, yet these can be stolen. 
• Home emergency cover
  This protects against urgent issues such as burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, electrical faults or roof damage. It typically includes callout fees, labour costs and basic parts with a capped limit per claim³ .
  A recent review shows that adding emergency cover may cost just about £40 to £50 annually, yet it can save hundreds if a tradesperson is needed out of hours⁴.

Why You Should Review Annually

An annual checkin on your buildings and contents cover is advisable, particularly ahead of the summer season:

• In 2024, The average UK home insurance premium was £395 per year, an alltime high due to the rise in weather damage claims⁵.
• Claims for escaped water account for about 29 per cent of all claims, making sure you are adequately covered is incredibly important⁶.
• Some policies may include emergency cover automatically but place caps on callout costs or number of claims. It is best practice to check both your insurer’s terms and your policy schedule regularly.

How Your Mortgage Adviser Can Help

We can help you review your protection alongside your mortgage to ensure everything is in place. This can save you from unwelcome surprises and allow you to act swiftly if the unexpected happens. When you discuss the summer risks and your cover, we can:

• Check whether your mortgage and insurance policies are consistent
• Confirm that substantial home improvements or contents changes are covered
• Help you decide if you should add emergency cover or accidental damage protection
• Advise on whether your insurance excess and caps are appropriate for your home and budget

Final Word

Summer should be about enjoyment, not worry. Take a few moments during June or July to tick off your protection checklist. Do you have accidental damage cover, burglary protection, water leak cover, storm damage safeguard and emergency callout insurance? And are your home insurer and mortgage adviser both fully aware of what you need? If you are unsure or would like reassurance, speak to your mortgage adviser today. Ensuring your protection is aligned with your mortgage can give you peace of mind and keep both your home and your finances secure.

Sources:

1. Directline.com. (2020). Accidental Damage Cover: What’s Included? [online] Available at: https://www.directline.com/home-cover/magazine/accidental-damage [Accessed 25 Jun. 2025].
2. 0800homefix.  (2024). 0800homefix.. Available at: https://www.0800homefix.com/plumbing/does-building-insurance-cover-leaks-navigating-policy-details-for-water-damage-claims/ [Accessed 25 Jun. 2025].
3. Gocompare.com. (2024). Plumbing and Drainage Insurance Cover | GoCompare. Available at: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/home-emergency-cover/plumbing-and-drainage/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025].
4. The Sun (2024). Is home emergency cover worth it? We explain whether insurance is an alternative…  Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/30062726/home-emergency-cover-insurance-worthwhile/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025].
5. Abi.org.uk. (2024). More action needed to protect properties as adverse weather takes record toll on insurance claims in 2024  Available at: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/2/more-action-needed-to-protect-properties-as-adverse-weather-takes-record-toll-on-insurance-claims-in-2024/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025]. 
6. MorganClark (2020). Home insurance claim statistics 2021. Available at: https://www.morganclark.co.uk/about-us/blog/uk-home-insurance-claim-statistics/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2025].

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3^rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

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