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Insurers dealing with storm clear up

Insurance companies are dealing with an influx of calls following the storms that have buffeted much of the UK over the past two days.

Lloyds TSB has drafted in extra staff to deal with the volume of claims and Zurich is among the other providers reporting a surge in calls.

David Stoddard, the head of customer service at Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "Storms can cause serious damage to properties in a matter of seconds and of course anyone affected will want to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

"The best way to make sure your claim is dealt with quickly and efficiently is to contact your insurer as soon as the damage is done. It's especially important to start the process early at times like this.

"With call volumes so high, lines can get extremely busy and we're asking customers to be patient while we deal with their enquiries."

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns that customers and insurers alike should brace themselves for more storm-related damage, with extreme weather conditions set to become more common over the coming years.

Homeowners should get their insurance provider's permission before making any repairs, but most acknowledge that some emergency action is necessary.

They should, however, keep anything that is damaged, take photographs of structural damage and avoid lifting wet carpets.

Jane Milne, the ABI's head of property insurance, said: "Insurers are geared up to dealing with storm damage claims as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"Over the last three years they have paid on average £600 million a year to policy holders hit by storms."

It is not just homes that have been affected by the 99mph winds, many cars and vans have also been damaged by falling trees.

Malcolm Tarling from the ABI said that drivers with comprehensive insurance should be covered for storm damage, although he warned that anyone relying on fire, flood or theft cover could be forking out themselves.

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19/01/2007 14:16:51

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