The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has teamed up with the National Flood Forum to provide fresh help and guidance to homeowners to reduce the risk of flooding, and how to minimise the damage and recover as quickly as possible if they are flooded.
Over 5.2 million properties in England alone are at risk of flooding, with major floods since 2007 having affected around 80,000 properties.Scotland has 284,000 properties recorded at flood risk; Wales has 245,000, and Northern Ireland, 45,000.
The Guide;
- Sets out steps to reduce the impact of flooding. These include keeping informed of the latest developments by listening to your local radio, TV or calling the floodline service on 0345 988 1188 for information from the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and Natural Resources Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can call 0300 2000 100.
- Explains the claims process, including what to do in the immediate aftermath, cleaning and stripping out your home, drying out, repairs and returning to your property.
- Outlines industry best practice in offering cash settlements, where the customer would prefer this.
Laura Hughes, ABI’s Manager, General Insurance, said:
Being flooded is a traumatic and distressing experience. This is why the priority of insurers will always be to help those affected recover as soon as possible and support them through the recovery process. Our guide offers invaluable advice so that flood victims know what to expect from their insurer, at what is an incredibly stressful time.”
Heather Shepherd MBE, The National Flood Forum, said:
People who have suffered flooding are left traumatised by the experience. They are then faced with the insurance journey that takes them through repairs to their homes. Understanding the process that insurance companies take can be confusing and stressful. The National Flood Forum welcomes this helpful publication which aims to provide a clear step by step guide on what people can expect to happen as they move through the process of recovering their homes.