Storm Éowyn - four things to do if you need to make a home insurance claim for damage
Storm Éowyn is predicted to cause significant damage to home and gardens across the country with record winds of up to 114mph hitting today (Friday 24 January).
Damage to houses is expected as the seven-hour-long pummelling takes hold under the extraordinary red weather warning.
Red weather warnings are a rarity, reserved for only the most extreme and life-threatening conditions. In case of red weather warnings, there’s a high likelihood of a danger to life, with significant travel disruptions, potential energy supply issues, and widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
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The last time Scotland faced a red wind warning was in January 2024, when Storms Isha and Jocelyn delivered severe weather to the Highalnds and North East
It means insurance companies are braced for soaring claims in the aftermath of the weather.
Only once the storm has subsided, it's time to check out the damage. With this in mind, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued advice on how to go about making any claims to help ensure a timely resolution.
The good news is that damage caused by storms and flooding is covered by most standard home insurance and commercial business policies, and comprehensive motor insurance.
Jonathon Fong, manager of general insurance at the ABI said: "We’d like to reassure people that insurers expect bad weather to strike at any time and are geared up to deal with events like this. Their priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as possible."
They have issued this advice for homeowners who find themselves needing to claim for repairs.
1. Contact your insurer ASAP
The advice is to speak to you insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible.
2. Arrange temporary repairs
If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but try and speak to your insurer first.
3. Keep all paperwork
If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.
4. Don't bin damaged items
Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will advise.
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