Storm and flood advice

If you have prior warning ensure that items in the open are either placed indoors or are securely fixed down

The best way to prevent damage is to make sure you watch out for any signs that maintenance is needed to your property and act on it:

• Keep your fences and boundary walls in good condition.
• Make sure that drain pipes and gutters are properly fixed in place and maintained.
  Keep gutters and drains clear so that rain water can drain away.
• Ensure that any slipped / cracked slates and tiles are fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
• Look out for cracked or loose cement around ridge tiles or chimneys and get them repaired. Remember that felt flat roofs only have a limited life expectancy and they need to be regularly checked.
• Replace any blown brickwork and fill cracks in rendering.
• Keep external woodwork in good condition and renew weatherproof coatings on a regular basis.

If there has been widespread damage we will do all we can to maintain our usual levels of service but please be patient if it takes us a little longer then usual to get to your call. If you arrange your policy through a broker they may be able to provide you with advice and / or a claim form
 
Refer to this website for any event specific advice we may post

Remember it is unlikely that contractors will be able to carry out any repairs until the weather conditions improve and they will usually only be able to work in day light

If there is considerable damage in any particular region there may be a shortage of building contractors so it may take a little while before an emergency contractor can be provided by us or be located by you

Always check your policy documentation before you call us to make sure you have cover for the damage you are claiming for.

Do

• Call us as soon as you can get to a phone If you need urgent assistance or there is major damage. Make sure you have copies of your insurance documents to hand when you call our claims helpline number: 0870 010 8888
• You may download a Home Insurance Claim Form (link to pdf document), but pleace note that issue of the form is not acceptance of policy cover
• We should be able to advise you of the best course of action, depending on the severity of the damage.
•  Carry out any temporary repairs to prevent further damage but don’t put yourself at risk.
•  It is always a good idea to make a record of the damage using a camera.
•  You should ensure your safety and keep clear of areas of loose roof coverings or damaged walls
• If it is safe to do so, salvage your belongings but without putting yourself at personal risk.
• If there is water coming into the property and it’s safe to do move contents to prevent further damage.

Don’t

• Use your own tradesmen (other than for temporary OR minor repairs, take a photograph of the damage if possible before the repair) for a quick fix unless you have been advised by Zurich to arrange the repairs. Either Zurich or one of our loss adjusters or contractors will advise you on repairs.