Tornado, Storm and Floods UK: Advice From The ABI

The Association of British Insurers has some useful advice for anyone in the UK affected by recent winter storms, including a mini tornado in Stalybridge near Manchester. If your car has been damaged by a falling tree or storm debris then you can claim on your car insurance, rather than trying to trace the landowner, or organisation responsible for the tree. Here’s the word;

• Do not put yourself at risk, by attempting to check the damage.
• Follow the advice of the local authority and emergency services.
• Contact your insurer for help and support. Once it is safe to do so they will arrange inspection of the damage.
• If your home is deemed unsafe and uninhabitable, your home insurer can arrange and pay for any temporary emergency alternative accommodation that may be needed until you are able to move back. They may also be able to make any emergency payments.

For businesses, commercial policies will cover storm damage. Some policies-either as standard or as an add on-may cover the cost of hiring any alternative temporary trading premises, while your damaged premises is being repaired.

Comprehensive motor insurance covers storm damage.

ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling said:

“Insurers expect and are ready for any form of bad weather, such as tornado force winds. When bad weather strikes, their priority is always to help and support their customers recover as quickly as practical. Anyone affected should contact insurer for advice.”