Recent research by a damage restoration business has revealed burst pipes, leaking taps and fire damage are the most common commercial property insurance claims across the UK.

 

ServiceMaster Clean revealed as part of its study of insurance claims by commercial property tenants that escape of water claims amount to 36 per cent of all claims made across the country.

 

Fire damage (24 per cent) was the second highest reason for claiming, while heavy rainfall (23 per cent) caused by the
unpredictable nature of the British weather also affects a number of tenants.

 

Damage caused by mindless vandalism is lower than expected with just three per cent of claims related.

 

A regional breakdown of annual restoration work was also undertaken by the firm, who found Hampshire commercial property was the region most affected by vandalism, as opposed to more densely populated urban areas throughout the UK.

 

Greater Manchester is the region most affected by leaking water pipes, while West Yorkshire is the area most susceptible to flood damage.

 

Malcolm Holmes, head of commercial support for ServiceMaster Clean, said: "Dealing with fire, flood or building contamination is a specialised discipline which is separate from general building repair work.

 

"Businesses should look for a contractor which is a member of the British Damage Management Association, ensuring the restoration works are compatible with loss adjuster and insurer processes.

 

"If businesses act quickly and use an expert restoration service, buildings can be safely restored with minimum disruption caused."

 

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) previously reported that escape of water claims alone cost £730 million in 2010, with the average claim by UK commercial property tenants valued at just under £2,000.

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