With strong winds and heavy rain expected across much of the UK, and especially in parts of south-west England and the eastern coast of Northern Ireland, the ABI is encouraging 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 that can easily be blown away and cause damage, like trampolines and garden furniture, inside, or make sure they’re secure.
- Have contact details of your home insurer to hand, along with other emergency contact numbers for your utility providers and the local authority.
- If it’s safe to do so before the storm arrives, check nearby trees and safely remove any loose or overhanging branches - if the tree isn’t on your land, contact the owner.
- Keeping your property well maintained is a key part of a home insurance policy. Clearing gutters, securing roof tiles, fixing any leaks, and repairing cracks in doors and windows before a storm hits, can help limit physical damage.
- Take a look at your insurance policy to check for anything that may not be covered, such as damage to fences or garden furniture, which may not be included as standard in most policies.
Signing up to flood alerts can help keep you prepared if flooding is expected. If you get a warning that there is a risk of flooding in your area, you should:
- 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.
- 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.
- Keep your pets safe and away from any flooding.
- Fit any property level resilience measures where possible such as flood gates or air brick covers.
If your property suffers any damage from Storm Chandra or any flooding, rest assured that this is what your insurance is there for. You should:
- 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. They can also make emergency payments if necessary.
- 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 be able to 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.
- If your home is flooded, ask your insurer if you are eligible for Build Back Better which can help to make your home more resilient to future flooding.
- Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock in line with your policy. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary.
Mark Shepherd, Assistant Director, Head of General Insurance Policy at the ABI said: "People will understandably be concerned about the disruption and potential damage Storm Chandra may bring. Insurers are prepared for severe weather at any time and will be on hand to support their customers throughout the claims process. If it is safe to do so, taking a few precautionary measures may help reduce the risk of damage. Secure or store items in your garden that could be lifted by strong winds – such as trampolines, outdoor furniture or bins – to prevent harm to your property or neighbouring homes. Your insurance will still be valid if you’re driving during adverse weather, but we advise paying close attention to local authority and police warnings. If you do suffer damage to your property or vehicle, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.”
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. |
