Insurance
£2.6m already paid out following Storm Desmond
Emergency payments from home insurers have been made to over 1,500 families affected by the recent flooding.
Home insurers have already helped almost 1,500 families get into alternative accommodation in the wake of Storm Desmond.
And they have so far made emergency payments totalling £2.6m, according to analysis from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Emergency payments are cash for affected families and businesses to spend on immediate needs, for example food, clothing, domestic appliances and Christmas gifts. Costs for alternative home or business accommodation are paid directly by insurers.
The extreme weather which hit the north of the UK over the 4th and 5th of December resulted in major flooding to properties across parts of Cumbria, Lancashire and in the Scottish borders. Initial estimates suggest the final amount ABI members will pay out to affected customers is likely to be around £520m.
James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “Following Storm Desmond, insurers and their representatives have been there beside those affected to provide practical help and support as quickly as possible. Being flooded is hugely traumatic and insurers have worked round the clock to get the repair process under way, provide immediate payments to people affected and find families somewhere warm and dry to stay.
“The flood waters have mostly receded but for affected families and businesses the impact is going to be felt for months. Insurers and their expert teams will be there for the long haul to help communities rebuild and repair.”
