Floods crisis: what to do if your home has been hit

Storm Desmond has ravaged parts of the UK. Here's what insurers say you should do if you need help

Many have been affected by Storm Desmond (Getty)

Insurance companies are reporting that their claims handlers are being kept very busy dealing with customers affected by Storm Desmond. Meanwhile they're sending loss adjusters to affected areas to deal with claims and arrange emergency help such as temporary accommodation and interim payments.

Allianz said it experienced a 300 per cent increase in the number of customer calls to its household claims teams and that the worst hit areas are Carlisle, Lancaster and Lanarkshire. Claims operational manager, Jeremy Trott said: “It is currently too early to say what Storm Desmond is likely to cost and our priority right now is helping our customers through this difficult time."

Meanwhile Direct Line has mobilised Charlie, its emergency response vehicle which includes a mobile office, to assist its flood-stricken customers in Carlisle. “It is there to help customers in Carlisle, but our priority is getting customers back in their homes as quickly as possible,” said Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line Home Insurance.

The Association of British Insurers says anyone who has been flooded should contact their insurer as soon as possible for advice and to get their claim moving. If necessary you should arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse and tell your insurer. But make sure you keep any receipts, as without them your claim will be questioned.

Don't throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as your insurer may not pay out if it thinks they may have been able to be repaired or restored. Take photos of all damage to prove your case. If you're forced to move out, only return to your home or business after a flood when it is safe to do so.

It can take weeks, oftenlonger, for a property to fully dry out so hurry to redecorate. Take advice from your insurance company about when to start repair work.

If your home is at risk of flooding Direct Line has the following advice :

• Ensure any drains and gutters are clear of debris so rainfall can drain from your property effectively
• Place valuable and electrical items in high cupboards or take them upstairs to reduce the impact of any flood damage
• Ensure outdoor furniture and other items likely to float away are safely restrained to reduce the risk of these items causing secondary damage or being lost
• Establish an evacuation plan for your family. This will reduce the risk of injury to your loved ones and give you more time to save items of sentimental and material value
• While it is safe to use electrical equipment, keep up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings by monitoring local television and radio services
• Store important documents, including insurance policy details and useful contact numbers in a watertight bag in a dry accessible place, preferably upstairs
• Make a list of useful numbers you may need – your insurer, your local council, the emergency services and the number of Floodline: 0345 988 1188
• Buy and fit air brick covers and flood boards to block doorways

Meanwhile housing charity Shelter has set up a temporary emergency helpline number offering expert housing advice to anyone affected on 0344 515 2370.