Water damage has had a "significant impact" in time and money for many properties this winter, a new report has shown.

Severe weather has caused the number of insurance claims for burst pipes to rise by a third in January this year, according to figures from Direct Line.

Warning people about the need to prepare for unexpected weather conditions, Kate Syred, head of Direct Line for Business, said: "If there is a leak, the first thing to do is shut off the water supply to the property via the main stopcock, then phone your insurer for further advice."

Heating the house at a low level throughout the day will also help guard against the possibility of a burst pipe, the insurer advised.

Aviva recently revealed a £100 million surge in storm damage claims during the last three months of 2009.

Property owners may want to consider self storage facilities if they are worried about their belongings being damaged as a result of bad weather.