It has been a week of high winds, heavy rain, blizzards and ice, and Storm Rachel is unlikely to be the last of the winter, which means that anyone who hasn't already taken steps to protect their home needs to act.

This is by far the worst time of year for property damage, and it can be costly as well as distressing when something goes wrong - even with insurance.

Bank of Scotland Insurance says the average storm claim north of the Border is £447. Tim Downes, its senior claims manager, said: "Strong winds and heavy rain can wreak havoc on homes and gardens, but a few simple steps can go a long way to reduce the damage."

Sainsbury's Bank Home Insurance says homeowners make almost three times as many claims in winter as they do in spring. Yet, according to M&S Bank, 8 per cent don't have a buildings or contents policy, or don't know if they are covered.

That doesn't mean the 92 per cent who have insurance can afford to sit back and do nothing. Insurers expect policyholders to play an active part in protecting what they own, and that starts with having the right level of cover.

If an insurer decides a claimant doesn't have enough to replace all their property, regardless of how little they are actually claiming for, it will reduce the payout in proportion - or even reject it entirely - on the basis that the policyholder wasn't fully insured.

To ensure this never happens to you, check you have the maximum amount of cover you could need. If you haven't, contact your provider right away to increase it.

Also make sure you know your excess - the amount of any claim you will have to pay yourself - and if you feel it is too much, adjust this too.

Next, you need to do any outstanding maintenance, as an insurer will decline to pay its share if it believes the claimant hasn't taken proper care of their property. M&S Bank says the number of winter weather claims rejected due to maintenance quibbles has more than doubled since 2011.

Despite this, Sainsbury's reports that fewer than three out of ten homeowners consider their property to be "very prepared" for bad weather.

Tom Thompson, its insurance spokesman, said: "While you can't mitigate against all eventualities, there are certainly some things you can do to help winter-proof your house.

"Key things are to check gutters and drains, roofs and boilers. And we'd strongly recommend householders find out where their water valve is and how to turn it off."

Make sure your guttering, drainpipes and overflow pipes are clear of debris and leaves, and that they are securely attached to the building.

Check for loose branches or damaged tree trunks on or near your property, and take steps to get them dealt with, if necessary by a professional.

When bad weather is imminent, move garden furniture, barbecues and children's outdoor toys, such as trampolines and bikes, under cover or tie them down.

Secure bins and remove any rubbish or other loose items from outside your home, so they can't turn into dangerous projectiles in storm conditions.

Check all fences are in good condition, and shut and lock gates, doors and windows, including on garages and sheds. This will also help protect against opportunist thieves.

If possible, put your car in a garage or avoid parking near trees and other objects that could become unstable in high wind.

Be ready for power cuts by having torches and blankets on hand. Ensure your mobile is charged, programme in your insurer's home claims number, and make a note of your policy number.

If you do suffer damage, take plenty of photos before moving anything. Call the claims line as soon as possible and follow any advice you are given.

Nearly half of all weather related claims are due to roof damage. If it is safe to do so, check for loose or missing tiles, and make temporarily repairs with a plastic sheet or tarpaulin to stop things getting any worse.

It is also important to be prepared for burst pipes at this time of year. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) puts the average claim for this type of damage at £6,500 to £7,500, but it isn't difficult to reduce the risk.

Keep your heating on at regular intervals and set it on a timer if you are going away. Make sure water pipes and tanks are well insulated with good quality lagging.

Repair any dripping taps, to minimise the chance of them freezing, and check your stopcock is working properly.

If your pipes freeze, turn the water off immediately and wait for the temperature to rise or try to thaw the pipes with a hot water bottle. Don't use a blow torch or anything else that could itself cause damage. If in doubt, call a plumber.

If you have a burst, turn the stopcock off, shut down the central heating, open all taps and drain the system.

Aidan Kerr, the ABI's head of property, said: "Every winter, damage caused by burst pipes is widespread and expensive. Prevention is better than cure, and a few simple steps can reduce the risk of facing the trauma of frozen or burst pipes.

"Home insurance will pay for the often costly damage caused by burst pipes, but it can't compensate for the misery and inconvenience that they bring."