Homeowners are being warned, after the recent series of freak weather conditions in the UK, to make sure they have adequate home insurance cover in preparation for the notorious April showers Britain can expect.

Nationwide has warned home owners that they should be fully prepared for further damage, storms and unusual weather throughout the traditionally rainy season.

People have also been urged to carry out any minor repair work as soon as possible and if more bad weather hits these could develop into major problems. Nationwide went on to advise that if property is damaged by the weather any essentials or expensive items should be moved upstairs if this is possible, the electricity and gas should not be used and nothing should be thrown away until a loss adjustor from the insurance company has visited and assessed the damage.

Robin Bailey, Nationwide’s insurance director, said: "The recent spate of bad weather is a grim reminder of the devastation that extreme weather can cause and highlights the importance of having adequate home insurance cover."