Brits urged to prepare for torrential downpours ahead of storm christoph

• Ahead of Storm Christoph the Met Office has forecast torrential downpours alongside snow melt across the hills, warning this is likely to lead to flooding across South Yorkshire and the West Midlands later this evening and tomorrow
• Direct Line will be working to help customers hit by the rising flood waters with experts and extreme weather vehicles at the ready
• Home insurance experts available for interview across the UK

Ahead of Storm Christoph, the Met Office¹ has issued an amber flood warning across large parts of South Yorkshire and the West Midlands this evening and tomorrow, with heavy rain and snow melt across the hills likely to cause flooding to homes and businesses. Also potentially cutting off some communities and causing significant travel disruption. In preparation, Direct Line Home Insurance provides advice for householders on how to protect their homes.

Since storms Brendan, Ciara and Dennis hit the UK in quick succession last winter, insurers have spent an estimated £360 million² repairing thousands of homes, vehicles and replacing their belongings which were damaged by the three storms. Paying out over £7.7 million in emergency payments to help flooded homeowners and businesses.

In fact last winter over 3,350 claims for flooding were received by insurers in the UK, with claims totalling an estimated £107million, with the average cost of repairing a flood damaged around £32,000. In addition 7,100 claims were made for damage relating to vehicles damaged by floods and storms.

The impact of a flood can be devastating, with significant damage caused to flooring, furniture and contents around your home in a matter of minutes.

Brenda Munro, Head of field operations for Direct Line said: “With winter weather approaching and Storm Christoph on the way, householders should ensure they monitor weather warnings and take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their properties safe from the winter weather.

Direct Line has the following advice for householders at risk of flooding:

• Ensure any drains and gutters are clear of debris so rainfall can drain from your property effectively
• Place valuables, electrical items and important documents 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 stored in your shed or garage, or secured 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, radio services and the Met Office website https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2021-01-19  
• 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

Direct Line has the following advice for householders if flooding occurs:

• Direct Line customers: If your property is damaged, please contact our 24 hour emergency helpline on 0345 878 5081 as soon as possible
• If you need to move to alternative accommodation, the cost is normally covered under your insurance policy, but please check this when speaking to the claims team
• When possible, take photographs of the damage to your building and contents or film it; this may help streamline the settlement of your claim
• Don't throw away possessions without first discussing it with your claims adviser, as they will need to be assessed
• Do not use electrical equipment or the gas supply until it has been checked by a qualified tradesman

Brenda continues: “We take every weather warning extremely seriously, and have emergency action plans into place, as well as teams on the ground and on the phones ready to assist customers if they need to make a claim. Our priority is reassuring householders and getting them back in their home as quickly as possible.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2021-01-19
2. https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2020/03/insurance-pay-outs-to-help-customers-recover-from-storms-ciara-and-dennis-set-to-top-360-million/

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting