Ahead of Storm Darragh, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is reassuring homeowners and businesses that their insurers will be ready to help and support their customers.
Damage caused by storms and flooding is covered by most standard home insurance and commercial business policies, and comprehensive motor insurance.
Louise Clark, Policy Adviser at the ABI, said:
“Hot off the heels of Storms Bert and Conall, many homes and businesses across the country will be braced for Storm Darragh. Some simple steps, such as storing or securing any items in your garden that can easily be blown away, can help to limit any damage. If flooding is expected, assemble a flood kit and move any valuables or sentimental items upstairs.
“We’d like to reassure people that insurers expect bad weather to strike at any time and are geared up to deal with events like this as quickly as possible. Their priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as is practical. So if you suffer damage to your property or vehicle, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.”
With Storm Darragh on its way, we advise people to:
- Keep a close eye on weather warnings, and follow advice from The Met Office, The Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
- Where possible, store items left in gardens that can easily be blown away and cause damage, like ladders, inside, or ensure they are secure.
- Have contact details of your home insurer to hand, along with other emergency contact numbers for your utility providers and the local authority.
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Your insurance will still be valid if you’re driving during a red weather alert, but we advise you pay close attention to local authority and policy warnings.
If flooding is expected in your area:
- Sign up for flood alerts.
- Assemble a flood kit containing your mobile phone and chargers, contact telephone numbers, any current medication, torch, battery, radio, insurance policy details, rubber gloves, wet wipes, hand cleaning gel, first aid kit and bottled water.
- Ensure your pets are cared for and are safe from flooding.
- Move valuable, sentimental or essential items upstairs or to a high place and, if it is safe to do so, consider moving your car to an area less likely to flood.
- Fit any property level resilience measures where possible such as flood gates or air brick covers.
If you suffer any damage:
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible.
- If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first.
- If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, 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 in line with your policy.
Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and 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.
Read our full guidance on coping with storm damage here, and our guide to recovering from a flood and what to expect from your insurer can be found here.
For more information, please contact the Press Office.