Direct Line magazine

A row of houses on an English street
Home

Wear and tear: what it means for your home insurance

Learn what insurers mean by “wear and tear”, see common examples around the home, and find out what steps to take if you spot damage.
A couple sitting at a table with a laptop open, looking over some bills.
Home

The true cost of running your home

Do you want to reduce the cost of running your home? Mortgage payments, energy costs, council tax, home insurance, water charges - the costs can seem never-ending. So, it's good to cut back where you can. Check out our handy tips to discover what you can do to lower your bills.
Two women looking through cardboard boxes in the lounge, deciding what to keep.
Home

How to declutter your home

Are your possessions taking over your house? Do you trip over shoes in your hallway? It's time to declutter your home and reclaim valuable space by organising your stuff.

scaffolding is seen around a home extension
Home

Add value to your home with an extension

An extension or loft conversion could add to a property's value. If you're on the property ladder, it could be your way up to the next rung.
a listed property
Home

Top 5 things to know about buying a listed property

The house of your dreams is listed. Should that put you off? With around 500,000 listed buildings in the UK, it's worth getting informed. From permissions to insurance, we go through the things you need to know about buying a listed property.
A smart security camera is controlled by a smartphone app.
Home

Securing your home while you’re away

When you're away, your home is especially vulnerable to thieves. To help give you peace of mind, we explore some measures you can take before you leave the house.
The roof of a home is fitted with solar panels.
Home

A guide to green homes

It's more important than ever to think about the environment. We can't just flick a switch and improve things overnight, but we can do our part at home to make things a little better.
Tags: Tips
A person wearing gloves breaking down a wall using a demolition drill.
Home

How to knock down a wall

If you've never knocked down a wall before, it's important to know it can be quite a complex job and can require some heavy duty equipment. It's a skilled task, so before you get your sledge hammer out, find out what to take into consideration.
Japanese knotweed
Home

What's Japanese knotweed and how do you defeat it?

Japanese Knotweed can strike fear into the hearts of even the most experienced gardeners, as it's extremely difficult to control, can choke other plants and regenerates from the smallest fragment. If you spot it in your garden, don't panic - find out the best ways to tackle it.
Neighbours discuss the issues.
Home

Resolving disputes and arguments with neighbours

Falling out with neighbours can be awkward, especially as there's nothing you can do to escape them other than moving house. Most arguments are caused by similar things and can be easily resolved. Find out how to amicably settle disputes and when it's best to seek further advice.
Tags: Tips
A child holding a soft toy looks out at a snow-covered garden.
Home

How to prepare your property for winter

During the autumn and winter months, property disasters like burst pipes, broken boilers, flooding and storm damage are more likely. Start the preparation and planning before the temperatures drop, and you'll protect your property.
A plug that's overheated, with smoke pouring out.
Home

Electrical Safety: How to prevent electrical fires in your home

Faulty electrical appliances cause over half of all household fires in the UK. Find out how to keep your home safe, by avoiding some common mistakes and following our electrical fire safety guidance.
Keeping your shed and garden safe
Home

Keep your garden shed safe

Whether it's equipment stored in your shed, expensive garden ornaments or even outdoor furniture, many of us fail to protect the valuables we have in our gardens and sheds. Read our suggestions on how to protect your garden from thieves.
A man walking through a flooded street.
Home

Keep your home safe from flooding

If there's been a flood warning in your area, here's how you can help protect your belongings and reduce the damage caused by flood water in your home.
Red wine has spilled over a keyboard
Home

Accidental damage cover

Carpets ruined by red wine? Coffee spilt on your laptop? Football through a window? Accidental damage cover can provide you with additional cover for any mishaps or DIY disasters.
Lady using a computer
Home

All about eDocs

You can now get your documents online via our dedicated portal. Find out all about eDocs on Direct Line and how to get your documents digitally.
Sand bags are piled up in front of a door to help prevent flooding
Home

The true cost of water insurance claims

Nearly 1 in 5 claims made on buildings and contents insurance are for damage caused by leaks. When water cascades into a home, the damage can run into hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. Discover the true costs of water claims and what to do if there's a leak in your home.
a drain
Home

Who's responsible for drain repairs?

Blocked or damaged drains can cause a lot of issues for your home. Find out how to know who's responsible for repairing them and how you can report a blocked drain.