The ABI (Association of British Insurers) advises property owners who have suffered damage following the recent storms to:

- Arrange for emergency temporary repairs as soon as possible to stop the damage getting worse.  Homeowners should check their household insurance as many policies offer 24 – hour emergency help lines.

- Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Household buildings policies cover damage to the structure; contents policies will cover possessions. Damage to vehicles will be covered under comprehensive motor insurance.

- Do not use electricity or water supplies until the all clear is given.

- Where there has been flooding, disinfect floors and furnishings. Where practical, leave doors, windows and cupboards open. If possible, keep rooms heated.

- Do not rush to re decorate, as it may take some weeks for the property to fully dry out.

With more bad weather forecast, homeowners should:

- Where possible move items to upper floors.

- Keep a regular eye on the weather bulletins.

- Make sure all important contact telephone numbers are kept together. These will include those of your  insurers, local authority and doctor.
     

- ENDS -       
Enquiries to: 
 
 Malcolm Tarling   020 7216 7410  (Mobile: 07776 147667)
        Leonie Edwards                    020 7216 7394  (Mobile: 07736 664343)

1. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its more than 400 member companies provide over 97% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold more than a fifth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensions and savers.
2. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts. 
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Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk

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