Flood of insurance claims as Britain suffers freak weather conditions

Up to 8,600 claims were made yesterday as a result of the torrential downpours and flooding seen across most of the UK, according to analysis of market data by Abbey Home Insurance. This compares to an estimated 13,700 insurance claims that are made on average each year as a result of damage to the home caused by flooding alone.

The claims break down as follows:

3,200 claims were made for flood damage
5,100 claims were made for damage caused by storms
210 claims were made for damage caused by lightning

Prasad Shastri, Head of Insurance Marketing at Abbey, said: "If you are expecting or currently experiencing flooding, protect as many of your belongings as possible by moving them upstairs. If you can, use sandbags to prevent water coming into the home.

“Although warnings were issued that there could be potential flooding, the scale of the damage has come as quite a shock. Many people will be looking to make claims on their home insurance so it is advisable that everyone who would like to make a claim look into doing so as quickly as possible.

“If you suffer from flood damage your insurance company should be able to advise you if you are able to make a claim. Some insurers like Abbey, have set up a dedicated claims helpline that will have access to specialist advisers who will be able to help you with your claim.”

Abbey’s dedicated claims helpline is 08456 000 733

Further research from Abbey Insurance also shows that each year, an average of 257,000 of all home insurance claims are declined as a result of the policyholder not having the appropriate home insurance cover.

Abbey, whose ‘Peace of Mind’ home insurance has been awarded a five star rating by Defaqto 4 for the third year in a row, is warning people to ensure they have the appropriate cover for their homes.

Abbey offers unlimited sum insured (Peace of Mind) and specified sum insured (Essentials) home insurance policies that provide cover in the event of damage caused to your home by flooding.

This is the third year running that Abbey has been awarded a five star rating by Defaqto, making it one of only five providers to have ever achieved this honour.