Weather the storm by shopping around

A series of natural disasters, including last month’s earthquake and the UK’s most recent bout of stormy weather could cause premiums to rise, according to Confused.com – UK insurance comparison website.

Debra Williams, managing director of Confused.com, said: “Millions of home owners could find themselves hit by the double whammy of storm damage followed by increased premiums, as insurers look to claw back losses.

“Already this year, insurers have shouldered the costs of the Market Rasen earthquake which itself caused extensive damage to property, estimated to be well in excess of £30 million pounds. Added to the fallout from last year’s summer storms and the more frequent occurrence of extreme weather in the UK, the likelihood is that hard-hit insurers may be swifter to raise premiums than they have in the past, particularly if the predicted 80mph storms lead to significant losses.

“However, not all insurers will be affected by Mother Nature in equal measure which means that, come insurance renewal, it will really pay to shop around for the best deal.”

In the event that your property is affected by flooding, Confused.com has the following advice:

Before a flood hits:

Keep a copy of your home insurer's policy details and telephone number to hand, in case you need to make a claim following a flood.

Place sandbags outside doors, windows and airbricks to reduce the amount of flood water entering your property.

Turn off the mains supplies of water, gas and electricity.

If possible, move as much furniture as you can to the second floor.

If your home has been flooded:

Ensure mains supplies of water, electricity and gas have been checked by a qualified engineer before reconnecting.

Contact your insurer and report any damage caused to buildings and/or contents as soon as possible.

Take photographs of damaged items as it may help your insurer to settle a claim.

Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry out the property. Ensure your home is completely dried out before attempting any redecorating work.

Keep any ruined property as insurers may want to inspect it.