Open fires will lead to costly insurance claims as families try to cut bills

Insurance claims for house fires could soar this winter as homeowners look for cheaper ways to warm their homes amid near record-high gas prices.

There was a 125pc spike in house fire claims last December compared with 2019 according to insurer LV, as families huddled around the fireplace. Experts predict an even bigger increase this year given the rising cost of using central heating. Claims were worth £10,000 on average, LV said.

Martin Milliner from the firm warned that people would decide to use an open fire or use an electric heater rather than their central heating, as a way of keeping costs down. He added: “We are concerned that there could be a surge in fireplace mishaps this winter.”

Trevor Hall, from Twickenham, had to deal with his elderly parents’ fire claim and successfully secured £900,000 from LV.

A home that his family had lived in for 90 years was destroyed in a “traumatic” house fire sparked from burning waste paper in an open fire.

“My parents were lucky to escape with their lives, but were left with little more than the clothes they were wearing. A bag of tissues close by the fire ignited and the room was an inferno within seconds. I’d advise anyone to take serious care and consider safer means of heating,” he said.

Some 26 energy suppliers have collapsed since August, forcing nearly four million to switch to a new provider. This followed a sixfold increase in gas prices, adding hundreds of pounds onto household bills.

Geraldine Hooper*, an LV customer, said she had started to use her burner far more this winter thanks to high gas prices. However, she said it was fraught with danger.

“We had a spark fall onto the carpet. Luckily it did not end up being a serious but after that we’re trying to be much more careful,” she added.

*Name has been changed