Flooding - The Long Drying Out Process Begins

As water begins to recede from most homes and businesses in Cumbria and Scotland following the recent flooding, it is time for lengthy drying out and clean-up operations to begin. The ABI offers further advice about what policyholders should be doing now, and what they can expect from their insurance companies.

If you have been flooded:

• Call your insurance company to make a claim - insurers will have 24-hour emergency helplines and are on the ground in flood-hit areas to help.
• Arrange alternative accommodation with your insurance company if you are unable to live in your property.
• It is very important to remember that drying out flood damaged properties can take many months, especially during the winter. Where practical, leave doors, windows and cupboards open. If possible, keep rooms heated and do not rush to redecorate. Your insurance company will advise you on the right steps to take to get your property back in order.
• Try and keep as many of your flood damaged belongings as you can, but if you do need to throw things out try to take photos of them, and where possible keep any receipts, warranties, handbooks or instruction manuals, as these will help with claims.

Based on claims to date, our initial estimate for the cost of flood claims in Cumbria and southern Scotland is around £100 million, but this may increase as more complex claims, such as those for business interruption, are made.

Nick Starling, the ABI's Director of General Insurance and Health, said: 

"Once flood waters have receded and the damage to homes and businesses is assessed, the hard work begins.  Properties will take a long time to dry out fully and it could be many months before houses and businesses are restored to the condition they were in before the flooding. It's vital that work does not begin prematurely on damp properties as this can cause problems later on. The good news is that insurers are on hand to react quickly and start the drying out and restoration process as soon as possible, and to help customers cope with life while their homes are drying out and being repaired by providing advice, support and alternative accommodation where needed."

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