Storm Bert insurance claims explained after heavy wind, rain and snow devastates Britain

Storm Bert has caused unexpectedly severe chaos across the UK, with hundreds of homes and businesses wiped out or badly damaged by severe flooding, high winds, and heavy snowfalls. In addition to homes that have been destroyed and communities forced to flee, at least five people are known to have died from the storm's impact.

But what are your rights if you're among those impacted by the devastation of Storm Bert? Homes were inundated with water, roads became rivers, and winds of up to 82mph were recorded. As the clean-up operation gets underway, those affected by the storm are facing an uncertain future and eye-watering repair costs.

However, financial help is at hand for those who have the right insurance cover, although coverage for certain damages depend on the terms of each insurance policy. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), most standard home insurance policies, as well as commercial business and comprehensive motor insurance policies, cover damage caused by storms and flooding.

Louise Clark, General Insurance Policy Adviser at the ABI, said insurers are geared up to respond quickly to severe weather events. She explained: "Their priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as is practical. If your property or vehicle has been damaged, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice."

What you should do if your home suffered water damage

If your property has been affected by flooding, your insurance provider can offer guidance on securing emergency accommodation if needed or temporary trading premises if you have business interruption cover, reports the Mirror.

Once they have all the necessary information to support your claim, they will guide you through the clean-up and repair process. Following this, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) states that a loss adjuster will be assigned to evaluate your claim and conduct an initial damage assessment.

Alongside this, the repair process will be explained, and alternative accommodation options will be presented. If a visit to your business or home is required, they will get in touch.

After the evaluation, your loss adjuster will coordinate the cleaning and stripping out of your property. This work should commence within four weeks of the loss adjuster's appointment.

If additional tasks such as drying and disinfecting are required, these will also be arranged for you. However, the timeframe for completion can vary from a few weeks to several months.

Your loss adjuster will provide a schedule and keep you updated throughout the process.

If your home or business needs repairs, this should commence shortly after receiving your drying certificate from the drying company. Your loss adjuster will assign a builder to carry out the repair and reconstruction work and keep you informed about the expected timelines.

The ABI suggests that you can also inquire with your insurer about eligibility for Build Back Better, which may include the installation of property flood resilience measures as part of the repairs. Once this is done, plans to move back into your home or business can start.

Depending on the extent of damage to your home, this could be anywhere between a few weeks to over a year post-flood.

What if your home is damaged by wind?

If your property has been damaged due to storm-force winds, the ABI advises contacting your insurer immediately. Most insurers have 24-hour emergency helplines, offering advice on what steps to take and arranging swift repairs.

If necessary, your insurer will organise temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage. If you need to arrange emergency repairs yourself, inform your insurer and retain any receipts, as these will form part of your claim.

During the cleanup, don't rush to discard damaged items unless they pose a health risk. These items might be repairable or restorable, but you'll need to consult your insurer to confirm this.

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to necessary repairs, your insurance company will organise and cover the cost of any temporary alternative accommodation in accordance with your policy. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) states that commercial policies will cover damage to premises and stock.

Additionally, business interruption cover - which can be included or bought separately - will handle extra trading costs, such as renting temporary alternative trading premises if required.