Healey meets insurance companies to discuss flood claims

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey has met with representatives from the ABI (Association of British Insurers) and representatives of major insurance companies for a progress report on action being taken to get those still in temporary accommodation following last summer's floods back into their homes as quickly as possible.

At the meeting the companies confirmed that heating costs of those temporarily living in caravans while their homes are being repaired are normally covered by policies. In a move to eliminate any confusion they also agreed to advise policyholders of the position.

Real progress is being made with £1billion claims paid out and more than half the fifteen thousand households who were in temporary accommodation now able to return home - three quarters of all households are expected to be back home by Easter. But John Healey is keen to ensure momentum is maintained and that outstanding issues are addressed.

John Healey said: "A huge amount has been achieved following last summer's floods and the insurance industry has played a key role in enabling this to happen. To support the recovery Government has made available up to £78million available to communities. But given many of those affected are owner-occupiers the insurance industry has a key role to play in helping communities recover from floods.

"That is why since June I have been holding regular meetings with the insurance industry to ensure everything possible is being done. The firm view is that the insurance industry has done a good job dealing with thousands of claims and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts. But it is important to maintain momentum until everyone is able to move back home.

"I know from my visits to flood-hit communities that one of the key concerns for those in temporary accommodation - particularly caravans - is high fuel costs. So I am pleased that the companies I met today confirmed these costs are normally covered as part of policies and gave a commitment to contact policy holders to make this clear. I hope that this reassures people. I will continue to work closely with the insurance industry over the coming months as we continue to help communities get back on their feet and people back home."

Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance and Health at the Association of British Insurers, said: "Insurers have worked round the clock to deal with the 180,000 claims following last summer's devastating floods. This work continues as insurers are doing everything possible to get those still in temporary accommodation back into their homes as quickly as possible. They are also keeping in contact with those who have returned home to make sure that there are no subsequent issues with repair work carried out."