NFU Mutual Update on Flood Claims

Statement from NFU Mutal after the recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall across many parts of the UK;

As the Met Office issues a second red weather warning as Storm Babet wreaks havoc across the UK, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has activated its emergency storm response plan and prepared for a spike in claims.

Jon Bird, Property Claims Manager at NFU Mutual, said:

“We know from experience that flood and storm damage claims tend to come in greater numbers as the devastating weather begins to ease. We’re expecting a spike in claims over the weekend and early next week as widespread flooding remains a very real threat. Sadly, we also know that those in exposed rural or coastal areas are at a higher risk of flood damage.

“NFU Mutual has activated its emergency response plan for storms, putting our customer call handlers, loss adjusters and repair network on high alert so we can help customers as soon as possible. Our Agents in communities up and down the country are all ready to support their customers and local communities and have been proactively contacting customers who may be at risk of flooding.

“Given we’re in the middle of the storm and lives have been tragically lost, we’re urging everybody to make safety their priority now. Keep in contact with friends and family members and make sure people and pets stay away from flood water if at all possible. Insurers can provide alternative accommodation for those customers that have been severely impacted by flooding.

“If you are in an area at risk of flooding, and only if it is safe to do so, consider moving furniture and other possessions away from lower floors, paying particular attention to electrical items.

“If you suffer damage from the storm or flooding, make a claim with your insurer as soon as possible. Although it can be difficult to contemplate another devastating weather event, now is the time to think about the future. If your insurer is arranging repairs, ask them about flood resilient repairs rather than simple restoration.

“Flood resilient repairs make your property more resistant to flood damage, and include measures such as raising electrical flooring, tiling instead of carpeting and using waterproof paint. These all cost the same or little more than like for like repairs, but can save a lot of disruption in the event of a future flood, while the cost of larger resilience measures such as fitting non-return valves, flood doors or tanking or pump systems can be topped up with contributions by your insurer via the Build Back Better scheme.”