As the whole of the UK starts to freeze this means that we will be facing similar problems to early 2010, burst pipes, when the thaw starts to arrive. If you are sensible, you will have adequate warehouse insurance in place, to protect your stock and other business assets. One thing you really must check is whether you have any conditions or warranties that concern your stock storage height levels.
In simple terms, if a pipe bursts due to expanding ice, when it thaws the water may start to leak. This means that your warehouse will start to flood. As we all know, gravity will take the water to the lowest point, the floor, and it will build up from there. Most businesses will store their stock at this lowest point.
Business insurance policies will contain what is called a stillage warranty. This means that your stock, if cover is to apply, must be stored on pallets or shelves a certain height from floor level. This can be 10cm, 15cm or even up to 50cm, depending on the insurer, your location, the age of your building and your claims experience.
If your stock is damaged by water from a burst pipe, then it may not be covered for “wet perils” unless it is stored correctly. It may be a simple case of keeping your stock on either single pallets or pallets stored on top of one another.
A single burst pipe, leaking for a whole weekend can wreak a huge amount of havoc, please make sure that you comply with any cover requirements you may have.