Comment on the flooding in Cornwall

Published:

17/11/2010

Topic:

Press Release,Insurance,Car,Home

Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com said:

"With Cornwall being hit hard by flash floods, and flood warnings still in place for much of the West of England, I would urge anyone who has been, or stands to be affected by this severe weather, to act now. These new alerts are not yet on the same scale as the devastating floods seen during 2007, or the flooding seen over the last two years, however, they serve as a timely reminder to those living in flood risk areas to make sure they are prepared for these unfortunate eventualities. Ensuring you are fully protected for every eventuality is paramount.

"People in 'at risk' households should check the details of their buildings and contents policies cover, especially the limits and excesses on both. It pays to make sure that the quality of your insurance is high and you won't be left out of pocket if you had to make a claim.

"If you are unfortunate enough to be flooded, you may need to claim on both your contents and buildings policies. Fixtures such as fireplaces and electric lights, which you may have thought would be covered under a buildings policy, will usually be classified as contents. Those at risk from the flooding should take expensive portable items upstairs or somewhere else dry.  Your insurer will expect you to make attempts to minimise your claim.

"People also need to consider their vehicles too; while home insurance is essential to guard your property, motor insurance should also be an important consideration for any flood risk to your car."

moneysupermarket.com's top tips to help protect your home from flooding

• Move costly possessions - shift valuable and electrical goods off the floor for their own protection, ideally upstairs.
• Protect soft furnishings. Rugs can be moved upstairs if flooding looks likely and you can throw curtains over their rails to protect them
• Stock up on sandbags - buy in flood boards and sandbags to block doorways with, as these will help you fight the flooding and protect your home.
• Protect irreplaceables. Items of sentimental value, such as photos, should be packed in waterproof bags and put somewhere safe, ideally upstairs. No amount of insurance money can bring these back, so put them out of harm's way.
• List useful contacts - write down important numbers such as your home insurance provider and policy number, and Floodline (0845 988 1188). Keep this information to hand.
• Pack a flood kit - put together an emergency kit containing personal IDs, any required medication and a change of clothing in case you do need to evacuate your home.
• Keep informed. Watch the weather forecast and check the Met Office to make sure you're up-to-date on any threats.

-Ends-

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