UK braces itself as it's hit by storm eunice

• Following several red and amber weather warnings issued by the Met Office, a few areas across the UK have been hit by 60-80 mph winds from Storm Eunice
• Direct Line is already seeing calls from customers whose homes have been damaged by the high winds
• Direct Line has extra staff working to help customers hit by the storm with experts and extreme weather vehicles on the ground checking in on our most vulnerable customers
• Home insurance experts available for interview

Following multiple red and amber weather warnings issued by the Met Office¹, as Storm Eunice hits, Direct Line Home Insurance provides advice for householders on how to protect their homes from the ongoing severe weather conditions and what to do if their home has been affected by the high winds. 

The impact of a storm can be substantial, with roof damage or smashed windows costing householders hundreds if not thousands, of pounds to repair. 

David Geddes, Response Operations Lead said: “Following the impact of Storm Eunice, which continues to batter the UK, and Storm Dudley earlier this week, there are a few simple steps householders can take to protect both themselves and their homes from the ongoing weather disturbances.

“Householders should keep up to date with local weather warnings and make sure any loose items, that could potentially become dangerous projectiles in storm conditions, are stored away. Taking simple steps like securing loose items can help keep disruption and damage to a minimum.”

If your home has been affected by Storm Eunice, or Storm Dudley, earlier this week:

• Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible. Direct Line will usually pay for emergency repairs that need to be carried out to stop the damage getting worse
• Take photographs of anything that has been damaged as a result of storms, as this can streamline the settlement of your claim
• Use a plastic sheet or tarpaulin to temporarily repair storm-damaged roofs
• Whilst nearly half of all weather-related claims are due to roof damage, your personal safety is paramount. If it is not safe to do so, do not attempt temporary repairs

The inconvenience caused by a damaged roof or smashed window can be substantial, with multiple rooms in your home affected including damage to ceilings, plaster and contents, the costs can also mount up quickly. Whilst home buildings and contents insurance can’t help protect your home from the elements, having a comprehensive policy in place can ensure you’re not left out of pocket if the worst does happen.

Geddes continues: “We take every weather warning extremely seriously and have emergency action plans into place.  We also have teams on the ground ready to be deployed to areas of significant impact, and colleagues 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=2022-02-18

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler

PR Manager

01651 832 095

Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

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.

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