LV= offers advice to policyholders affected by severe weather

In response to severe weather in many areas of the UK, Emma Holyer, spokesperson for LV= comments: “The severe weather of the past 24 hours has caused a significant amount of damage to property the UK and LV= is currently proactively calling policyholders most likely to have been affected by the storms to offer help and assistance.

“We have called in extra staff to begin processing claims as swiftly as possible and to keep disruption to a minimum for our customers affected by the storms.”

Homeowners affected by the severe weather are advised to follow the following steps:

Where possible, keep any damaged items until you have spoken to your insurance company and they have advised you what to do

Take photos of any damage before you undertake any emergency repair work

If you do undertake any emergency repairs inform your insurer as any costs will be paid as part of your claim

After the storm has passed, check your roof for missing tiles and check guttering is clear

Make sure you know where your torch is in case the power cut spreads

If you are in one of the 11,000 homes already suffering a power cut, keep your fridge and freezer door closed to prevent the temperate dropping quickly

If you are in one of the areas hit by possible flooding move property upstairs (where you can)

If your home floods, turn off the gas and the electricity immediately

Any policyholders wishing to report a claim should call 0845 640 5630