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How to protect your home this winter
Get your home ready for winter with simple tips to stay warm, secure and safe. Learn how to save energy, prevent damage and reduce flood risk this season.
Published: November 2025
Winter is on the way, which means it’s time to get your home ready for icy temperatures and wet weather.
Read our simple steps to help you prepare, so you can keep your home warm, secure and protected from damage this winter.
1. Warm up without wasting energy
Cold, windy weather can waste energy and cause unexpected damage. Keep your home warm and bills low with our energy-saving tips.
- Test your heating: Book in a boiler service before the cold weather sets in. Bleed radiators if they’re cold at the top, they’ll run more efficiently.
- Emergency heating breakdown cover: Check if you’re covered for emergencies. Virgin Money Home Insurance customers may already have this included.
- Insulate and save: Double glazing is great, but even adhesive film on your windows can help. Let the sunshine in during the day and keep the heat in at night with thick curtains.
- Stop draughts: Little changes make a big difference. Use keyhole covers, brush strips, and draught excluders to keep the cold out. Shut doors to unused rooms to save energy.
- Protect your pipes: Burst pipes and water leaks make up nearly 30% of home insurance claims1. It’s important to insulate pipes to prevent bursts and if it’s freezing, set your heating to at least 15°C to keep things flowing.
2. Keep your home secure
The longer, darker nights can catch some people out. Get ready to lock up, light up, and be social media savvy.
- Lock up: Always lock doors, windows and sheds, even if you’re just popping out. Give a spare key to someone you trust. Never hide it outside.
- Light up: Use outdoor lights that turn on at dusk or that detect movement. Security alarms and video doorbells also help deter unwanted visitors.
- Be social media savvy: Save your holiday snaps for when you’re home. Especially if you have any public profiles. It could let people know when you’re not home.
- Cover valuables: Tell your insurer about any expensive items you own.
- If the worst happens: Call the police straight away if you’re burgled. They'll give you a crime reference number which you'll need to give your insurer when you contact them.
3. Reduce flood risk
Flooding can be devastating, but a few precautions can help reduce risk.
- Gutters and drains: Clear them twice a year to prevent blockages and water damage.
- Know your stopcock: What on earth is it? Good question! It’s a valve that controls the flow of water into your property. It’s good to know how to turn off your water in an emergency.
- Sandbags: If you’re in a flood-prone area, keep sandbags handy for doors and windows.
- Move valuables: If flooding is likely, move electricals and sentimental items upstairs.
- After a flood: Open windows in the morning to help your home dry, but close them by mid-afternoon to avoid damp.
- Know your risk: It’s a good idea to check the flood risk in your area Link opens in a new window.
- Weather warnings: Storms, heavy rain and frozen pipes are the main reason claim payouts have gone up, with costs reaching £322 million2. Stay alert and get local weather warnings Link opens in a new window, so you can protect your home before the bad weather hits.
With Virgin Money Home Insurance, you’re in control.
You can personalise cover to suit you and update it if life changes. Our panel of insurers compete to offer you their best price, when you join and when it’s time to renew.
Get your quote in under 60 seconds100% of 166 customers tested took less than 60 seconds to get a quote for buildings and contents cover and enjoy peace of mind this winter.
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