Thousands of households and businesses cross the UK are just beginning to tackle damage caused by water pipes that froze and burst during December's sub-zero weather.

The insurance industry estimates that the bill for burst pipes this winter (2010/11) will top £650m, higher than last year's, which in itself was a record.

According to a recent article in a broad sheet newspaper, insurance claims for burst pipe damage are frequent and generally large. For instance, Lloyds TSB says the average loss per burst pipe claim is around £2,000, but AXA puts it substantially higher than that at £25,000.

Mr & Mrs Butler suffered horribly when their home was flooded while they were staying with family over the Christmas period. The retired couple have owned their three-bedroom semi-detached house in Manchester, since 1972. Pipes in their loft froze and when they thawed as the freezing temperatures rose, both the hot and cold water feeds flooded the house. It wrecked both bedroom and kitchen ceilings, carpets and floor tiles, household furnishings, wallpapers and plaster and made the property uninhabitable.

Thankfully a neighbour alerted them to the problem, so they returned home immediately to find the devastation, they notified their Insurance Broker who asked Tim Craig Independent Loss Assessor, to evaluate the claim and once appointed by Mr & Mrs Butler, begin the claims process.

Mr & Mrs Butler where insured with Royal and Sun Alliance who appointed their own loss adjuster to liaise with Tim Craig and bring the claim to a satisfactory close.

Tim Craig arranged for Mr & Mrs Butler to utilise the alternative accommodation element of their home insurance policy while the claim was formulated, agreed and settled.

Tim Craig project managed the refurbishment of their property, dealing with suppliers and contractors to ensure the matter was dealt with swiftly and with as little fuss for the Butlers as possible.

Mr & Mrs Butler expect to be back in their home early in 2011.

Tim Craig - Independent Loss Assessor is experienced in negotiating domestic and business claims as a result of the following insured perils:

1. Fire
2. Flood / Escape of Water
3. Theft / Malicious Damage
4. Subsidence
5. Denial of Access
6. Business Interruption
7. Lightning Strike
   

Business claims in particular have many elements which may have to be considered, such as buildings, stock, plant, machinery, business interruption and increased costs of working, all of which can be left in the hands of Tim Craig - Independent Loss Assessor