Insurance, protection, flood advice
We’ll give you advice on how best to proceed. Depending on the type of damage we may instruct one of our approved suppliers to manage your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
What is covered under my policy?
Most building policies cover damage caused to the main structure of the house caused by storm conditions
Most contents policies cover damage to the contents of the house caused by storm conditions
It is usual that damage caused to gates hedges and fences by storm is excluded; check your policy documentation to confirm your cover
Most buildings policies will cover damage to your property caused by falling trees or branches
Most contents policies will include some cover for contents in the open up to a specified financial limit; this will normally include plants and shrubs in containers but not the general garden, again check the specific policy wording to confirm what cover applies
A policy excess is likely to apply, this will be shown on your policy documentation
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Am I covered for removing a fallen tree?
The cost of removing a tree is covered if that needs to happen to enable storm repairs to be carried out to the main structure of the property, most polices will not cover the cost of removing a tree if it has not caused damage to the structure of the buildings but check your policy documentation as it is possible in some cases to add some limited cover at an additional premium.
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What happens if a tile or slate is blown off my property and damages my car?
You should refer the matter to your motor insurer, damage to your vehicle is not covered under your household policy.
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What happens if a tile or slate is blown off my property and damages my neighbours car or property?
You should ask your neighbour to refer the matter to their motor or household insurer, in the event that any third party is looking to make a claim against you then you need to notify your contents insurer, your contents policy will normally provide cover against any legal liability that arises through occupation of your home. If the third party’s claim is to be met you will have to have been negligent and it is for the other party to prove that. Make sure you don’t admit any responsibility as this may prejudice any claim made.
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What if I can not stay in my house due to the severity of the damage?
We will cover the reasonable cost of alternative accommodation, whether this is a short hotel stay or the rental of another property. One of our team or suppliers will guide you through this process as some of the policies will have limits to the amount that can be refunded. This will vary from policy to policy but most will include reasonable costs for pets.
Also, depending on individual circumstances, we will be able to assist you with a reasonable amount for the cost of food whilst you are without cooking facilities.
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What if I am asked for a deposit for alternative accommodation?
If a deposit is needed for a rented property then we can also assist with this. However, this would be deducted from the final settlement made for alternative accommodation.
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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 is major water damage then either the loss adjuster or we 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.
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. Our suppliers are specialists in these types of claims and will make the necessary decisions regarding the extent of any stripping out work required.
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How will the repairs be undertaken to my property?
If we appoint one of our loss adjusters or approved contractors they will prepare a schedule of works to undertake the necessary repairs.
Provided you have an adequate sum insured then subject to policy limits the repairs will be undertaken to put you back in the position you were in prior to the storm damage occurring.
Before any permanent works are commenced a meeting or written proposal of exactly what will happen will be shared with you. This will include an outline of anticipated time scales.
However this may change as works proceed as variations to the schedule may be required.
If the rain water has affected the electrics then these will be tested and if they are damaged they will be repaired / replaced to the current regulations.
You will 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 your 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.
With any major repair there are likely to be some snagging items and you can be assured these will be resolved by our contractors before you are asked to sign off the works.
A guarantee will be provided against all works completed by our builders.
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What about my contents?
If we insure your contents:
Our 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 we will usually arrange for replacement with an equivalent item via our network of suppliers.
If emergency funds are needed to replace essential items we will arrange for 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 we may need to help you move any undamaged items into storage or your alternative accommodation, these costs would be met under the alternative accommodation section of your contents policy and our loss adjusters or restoration companies will advice you on this.
If you remain in the property you will need to guard against undamaged items being affected by dampness in the property.
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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 our experts to provide the help and assistance you need.
Keep track of who is who and if your are not sure then challenge them.
Try and ensure that your property is kept as secure as possible whilst allowing it to dry; we can help with providing secure storage if that is required.
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Remember
We have many years of experience in dealing with these cases and our experts will help you get back to normal as soon as possible, we are here to help.
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