Insurance, protection, flood advice
It’s a good idea to have a list of the contents of your home but if you haven’t already made a list of your possessions for such an emergency then you should do so as soon as you are able to get back into your property, before items are disposed of. Note what they are, their make and model wherever possible and take photographs if you can. This will speed up the claims process.
Also, make sure you make a note of the time your property was flooded, how long the water was in your home and the depth it was flooded to – making a mark on the wall if you can. All this information will be very helpful.
If you have had emergency repairs done before you alerted your insurer for any reason – keep the receipts to add to your claim. We would advise you to avoid sanctioning any pre-claim repairs, unless absolutely necessary.
What if I can not stay in my house due to the severity of the damage?
Check with your insurer if they will cover the reasonable cost of alternative accommodation, whether this is a short hotel stay or the rental of another property. Some policies will have limits to the amount that can be refunded. This will vary from policy to policy, some will also include reasonable costs for pets. Also, depending on individual circumstances your insurer may be able to assist you with a reasonable amount for the cost of food whilst you are without cooking facilities.
Back to top »
What if I am asked for a deposit for alternative accommodation?
Check with your insurer that if a deposit is needed for a rented property then they can assist with providing funds. In most cases this would be deducted from the final settlement made for alternative accommodation.
Back to top »
If water has entered my property how do I know when my house is dry?
In most cases your property will dry naturally but if there has been a lot of water in your property then your insurer or the loss adjuster will instruct a supplier who will put in place a drying resolution which will be monitored over a period of time until the property is dry enough to commence remedial works.
Check your policy to confirm if the cost of any electricity used to run the equipment will be reimbursed to you as part of the claim.
Depending on the nature of the construction it may be necessary to undertake some stripping out to assist in the drying process. Your insurer should have specialists in these types of claims and will make the necessary decisions regarding the extent of any stripping out work required.
Back to top »
How will the repairs be undertaken to my property?
Your insurer will probably appoint a loss adjuster or approved contractor. They will prepare a schedule of works to undertake the necessary repairs.
Provided you have an adequate sum insured then subject policy limits the repairs should be undertaken to put you in the position you were in prior to the damage.
Before any permanent works are commenced your insurer should either meet with you or provide a written proposal exactly what will happen. This should include an outline anticipated time scales, however this may change as works proceed as variations to the schedule may be required.
You should be involved in the choice of colours for decorating and the replacement of damaged items such as tiles.
During the repair process there may be significant disruption to certain parts of the home. You should not worry about this but if you have to move to alternative accommodation you will need to seek agreement from the contractor to return to the house whilst repairs are being undertaken to comply with contractor’s health and safety arrangements.
Back to top »
What about my contents?
If your contents are insured, a loss adjuster or other suppliers will advise you on what can and what can’t be restored, this will depend on the nature and construction of the item and the type of contamination. If an item cannot be restored or repaired then your insurer will usually arrange for replacement with an equivalent item via their network of suppliers. If emergency funds are needed to replace essential items your insurer may arrange this, these payments will be deducted from the eventual settlement. Your policy documents will tell you about any limits that might apply to the claim. If you need to move out of the property you may need help to move any undamaged items into storage or your alternative accommodation, these costs could be met under the alternative accommodation section of your contents policy and loss adjusters or restoration companies will advise you on this. If you remain in the property you will need to guard against undamaged items being affected by dampness in the property.
Back to top »
Security
Please remember that there are those who may look to take advantage of the confusion that arises around these events.
Watch out for ‘cowboy’ builders and ensure that you only approach reputable contractors or wait for your insurer’s experts to provide the help and assistance you need.
Keep track of who is who. If you’re not sure, challenge them.
Try and ensure that your property is kept as secure as possible whilst allowing it to dry; your insurer may be able to help with providing secure storage if required.
Insurers have many years of experience in dealing with similar cases and experts will help you get back to normal as soon as is possible.
Back to top »
If you do not have insurance
Unfortunately existing damage will not be covered by a new insurance policy taken out after you’ve been flooded.
In severe cases of flooding, emergency funds are coordinated by government and local authorities and you should contact them to find out what help you are entitled » more
Back to top »
