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A "short term" saving can be "a costly mistake" - as homeowners are warned over winter insurance risks. Turning off heating or skipping boiler servicing could invalidate home insurance, Defaqto has warned.

Completely turning off heating systems, allowing indoor temperatures to drop below required levels, or skipping essential boiler maintenance could breach policy conditions.

These actions particularly risk coverage for water damage from frozen pipes. Angela Pilley, a home insurance expert at Defaqto, said ahead of Christmas : “Persistently high winter fuel costs are forcing many people to make tough choices about their household budgets.

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"But a short-term saving, like turning your heating of

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