Nationwide provides home insurance advice

Following the recent bad weather and as the notorious April showers approach, Nationwide Building Society offers advice for those who could be at risk of flooding and storm damage.

Whether a home is rented or owned it is important to have the right level of insurance cover in place. Price is still a key consideration, so it is always a good idea to shop around as some home insurance providers have hidden costs such as charges for paying by Direct Debit.

Nationwide recommends those affected by flood water or storm damage should:

Check whether their insurance company offers alternative accommodation;
Inform their insurer as soon as possible - some insurers have a 24 hour helpline for policyholders to call if in need of advice;
Carry out minor emergency repair works that will prevent further damage;
Keep affected furniture until authorised to dispose of it by a loss adjuster;
Keep all receipts;
Move essentials and valuables (for example food, clothing and televisions) upstairs;
Move furniture away from the walls;
Claim for vehicle damage under their comprehensive car insurance policy.

For areas affected by flooding, once the water has subsided, homeowners should:

Oil hinges and locks to prevent corrosion;
Avoid using electricity or gas;
Avoid drinking tap water until advised to do so;
Leave windows and doors open when they're at home to help dry out the house;

With a loss adjuster's approval:

Remove the floor covering;
Wash walls and floors with disinfectant and water.

Robin Bailey, insurance director at Nationwide, says: "The recent spate of bad weather is a grim reminder of the devastation that extreme weather can cause and highlights the importance of having adequate home insurance cover. Nationwide will do everything it can to assist homeowners affected by floods or storm damage. Our buildings & contents insurance provides great cover features including 24 hour help-lines and the cost of temporary accommodation. We don't charge customers for paying their insurance premiums by Direct Debit, unlike many other providers".