Storm Ciara – insurance advice from the ABI

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) is reassuring homeowners and businesses that suffer damage from Storm Ciara that insurers will be doing everything they can to help them recover as quickly as possible. Home buildings, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage.

Malcolm Tarling, spokesperson, Association of British Insurers, said:

"Insurers are ready for Storm Ciara. They expect storms to strike at anytime, and are fully geared up to help customers hit by high winds and floods  recover as  quickly as possible."

The ABI advises  people who have suffered damage:

- If facing major wind damage or flooding, only return to your home or business when it is safe to do so. If your home is unsafe, your insurer should be able to arrange temporary alternative accommodation.

- Contact your home or commercial insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure customers get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as possible.

-If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse.
Tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.

-Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will advise.

-If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out, your insurer will arrange for and pay the cost of any alternative temporary accommodation you may need.

Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and the stock. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary.

Comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by storms.


-ENDS-


Notes for Editors

Enquiries to:

Malcolm Tarling                          020 7216 7410    Mobile: 07776 147667

Laura Dawson                            020 7216 7338    Mobile: 0772 5245838

Su Crown                                    020 7216 7412    Mobile: 0772 5245297


1.    The Association of British Insurers is the voice of the UK’s world leading insurance and long-term savings industry.

A productive, inclusive and thriving sector, we are an industry that provides peace of mind to households and businesses across the UK and powers the growth of local and regional economies by enabling trade, risk taking, investment and innovation.

2.    An ISDN line is available for broadcast

3.    More news and information from the ABI is available on our web site, www.abi.org.uk.