Insurers urge households and businesses to contact them for help and advice

19 October 2023 , 14:39

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Storm Babet is expected to dump a month's worth of rain on some parts of the UK. (Image: PA Media)

Families and businesses hit by Storm Babet are being urged to get in touch with their insurance companies as soon as possible for help and advice. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says the main goal is to help those affected recover quickly.

Storm Babet, which was expected to dump a month's worth of rain on some parts of the UK, swept in from the Atlantic and hit Ireland on Wednesday before moving on to Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England on Thursday.

ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling said: "Insurers expect bad weather to strike at any time, and their first priority when it does is to help homeowners and businesses recover as soon as possible."

"Your insurer can make any emergency payments needed, arrange any temporary emergency accommodation, and organise necessary repairs. If you suffer damage to your property, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice."

Insurance company Aviva has warned people to avoid moving through floodwater, which can be fast flowing and contaminated with sewage. It also advised against trying to repair damage while the flood or storm is still happening.

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Here are their top tips:

1. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can. They usually have a 24-hour helpline to give you advice and sort out repairs quickly.

2. If needed, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first.

3. If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.

4. Don't be quick 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by flooding. But do follow any travel advice, and if necessary, only travel if you really need to.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Steve Charnock