Tens of thousands of homes across the country remained without power after Storm Eunice battered the country last Friday, causing widespread disruption and devastation, and claiming at least three lives.
The fierce Atlantic storm brought record-breaking winds of up to 122 miles per hour, knocking down power lines, and prompting authorities to shut down schools, cancel flights, and issue stay-at-home warnings.
Insurance companies predict the cost of clean-up to reach hundreds of millions of pounds but warn that further weather disturbances could hamper recovery efforts in the days ahead.
These concerns were raised as Storm Franklin, the third named storm in less than a week, makes landfall, forcing massive evacuations in Manchester and Yorkshire as the threat of severe flooding looms.
Amid the chaos, several major home and property insurers have given assurances that they are doing their best to address the needs of their clients.
“The recent storms have caused significant destruction across the UK, undoubtedly leading to a lot of distress for those affected,” said Suzy Tiffany, home claims director at RSA Insurance. “Insurers across the market will be working hard to process claims and we have put extra resources in place ahead of the storms in anticipation of increased demand. If you’re struggling to get through to your insurer and your claim isn’t urgent, the best option would be to submit your claim online instead, if you can.”
According to the London-headquartered insurance giant, it has received a surge in claims in the first few hours of Storm Eunice alone.
Meanwhile, rural insurer NFU Mutual said it has mobilised its network of 550 agents across the UK to rapidly support customers impacted by the storm.
“We’re expecting to be inundated with calls and claims… but we’re ready,” NFU Mutual agent John Heather said. “We’ve directed the phone lines to make sure everyone is picking them up as calls come through, and we’re also trying to make sure our vulnerable customers are dealt with as a priority.”
NFU Mutual also said that its agents and call centres are available to assist customers who need emergency support and that they are “doing all they can to progress claims as quickly as possible.” The insurer added that it can make immediate emergency payments and settle simpler claims on the spot.
“Despite the volume of claims expected, we want to reassure customers that their NFU Mutual agency is well prepared and stands ready to support with the local personal service they expect from us,” said Mark Constable, agent at NFU Mutual’s South Cotswolds Agency. “In the meantime, we would urge everyone to make safety their number one priority.”
