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Watch out if you go away in the winter for more than three days leaving your home unheated – many insurance policies have requirements that can invalidate claims if not followed. Aimed at avoiding freezing damage to pipes, water tanks, radiators etc, these require that you use antifreeze in your central heating system, or otherwise that you drain the water out (vidanger).

Anyone whose home or car is damaged by strong winds and rains in storms this winter should also take note that a declaration to your insurer should be made within five days.

This type of damage comes under the garantie tempête in most household and car policies. You can make an initial declaration by phone or email but will need to follow up with a written description of the event and items damaged/lost.