Yesterday, the Met Office issued a rare red weather alert covering Northern Ireland and Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn, warning of gusts of up to 100mph and “flying debris resulting in a danger to life”. Ahead of what was projected to be ‘the strongest storm in generations’, insurance companies and associations alike issued advice and guidance to homeowners and businesses – and the brokers who support them - on how to stay safe during, and after, the peak of the storm.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) offered reassurance that insurers are primed and ready to support their customers navigating the damage caused by storms and flooding, which is covered by most standard home insurance and commercial business policies, and comprehensive motor insurance. Jonathan Fong (pictured left), manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, noted that insurers expect bad weather to strike at any time and, “are geared up to deal with events like this. Their priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as possible.”
Adding his perspective, Andrew Chalk (pictured right), home insurance expert at NFU Mutual, highlighted that the rural insurer knows from years of experience that wind storms often cause millions of pounds of damage, as well as disrupting and endangering thousands of people. Isolated rural properties and those on the coast are generally most at risk from storm damage, he said, so the firm is urging people in these areas to be especially vigilant.
"Protect your property if you can, but make your safety, and that of your friends and family, your priority,” he advised. “Think about putting together a pack in case of power cuts, including batteries or power banks, torches, blankets and extra layers, snacks, and any medicines you require.”
Touching on some of the additional actions that those likely to be impacted by wind storms can take, brokers can advise their clients as follows:
With more than 10 flood alerts in place for England (as of Thursday, Jan 23), homeowners and businesses alike need to be prepared for this eventuality. The ABI reflected on the number of ways in which they can do so, and recommended they:
For policyholders that have incurred any damage during Storm Éowyn, NFU offered reassurance that loss adjusters and its network of agents will be ready to assist customers and move claims along. They recommended that insureds have their insurer's details to hand and that they don't delay in making a claim.
The ABI also confirmed the need to have ready access to the contact details of your insurer, as well as other emergency contact numbers for utility providers and the local authority.
“Contact your insurer as soon as possible,” the association advised. “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.”
The ABI also noted that if a home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out the 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.”
