UK freezers hoard £3.7 billion

23rd August, 2005

UK consumers have a collective £3.7 billion worth of food stored in their freezers, finds a new report.

The value of this iced stash can add a considerable amount to the value of a property, and should be something that homeowners consider when taking out home insurance.

The average household has £145 worth of food stored in the deep freeze and Halifax Home Insurance warns that this could be at risk over the summer months.

'With millions of people across the UK set to hold barbecues over the bank holiday this weekend, it would be an absolute nightmare for the freezer - packed full of all those gourmet goodies - to suddenly break down,' said Vicky Emmott, senior underwriting manager at Halifax Home Insurance.

She explains that home insurance can really help financially if the freezer does break down.

'Having your freezer contents covered against damage by your insurer can make a huge difference,' she said.

While many home contents insurance policies will cover spoilt food, Halifax has offered some tips to try and prevent the food from becoming inedible, to minimise food wastage.

Freezer doors should be kept shut and the unit insulated with duvets. The air vent should be kept clear and neighbours could always be asked to store food temporarily.

With the power off and the door shut, a full freezer will keep food for 48 hours, and a half-empty freezer will stop food from going off for 24 hours.

If people are making a house insurance claim, the contents of the freezer should be photographed to help with the claim process.

 

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