What to do about storm damage

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) says households are being warned to take as many precautions as possible and to contact their broker or insurer immediately if they require assistance following storm or flood related damage.

Commenting on the storms, Graeme Trudgill, BIBA Technical and Corporate Affairs Executive, said, "With continuing strong winds and storms, consumers should take every possible step to protect their property and reduce the potential damage."

BIBA has issued the following advice to households regarding property damage from the bad weather:

• Contact your broker or insurer urgently to discuss any damage, they may agree to you carrying out certain emergency repairs before their representative has visited the property.
• Make sure you keep receipts from your emergency repairs and where possible get an additional quote so you know you are paying a fair price.
• You may have to pay an excess to the repairer - this is the first part of any claim that you are not covered for.
• Do not attempt to inspect the damage by using a ladder while the rain and wind persist. Only look for damage once it is safe to do so.
• Make sure you have sufficient insurance cover for your sums insured on your buildings.
• Make sure your drains and gutters are unblocked enabling water to run off unhindered therefore preventing damage from overflow.
• Do not throw damaged items away as you will need to show them to the insurance representative so they can organise an equivalent replacement. Taking photos of items that need emergency repair can also help.
• Check if your home is at risk of flood by calling the environment agency floodline on 0845 988 1188.
• Remove any trees/branches that have been damaged and may be a threat to your property.
• If you are evacuated take valuables, insurance documents and pets.

Your buildings insurance will pays for repair work for the damage done to your property. Most things are covered apart from the excess but a few areas like gates, fences and shrubs are not normally insured. Your broker can advise you in regard to your particular policy.

If the worst has happens and you are unable to live in your home most household insurance policies will pay towards equivalent alternative accommodation for several months while repairs are being made. This could be for some considerable time if your property has been flooded as it will need to dry out before being habitable again.

10 March 2008 © Moneyextra.com

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