Flood warning in scotland Direct Line offers advice to flood victims and those at risk

• Direct Line staff sent to Creiff evacuation centre to help affected customers
• Ten flood warnings in place in Scotland
• Around 200 residents in Crieff have been evacuated

Following the flooding in Perthshire, Scotland, Direct Line has Property Insurance Advisers (PIAs) in Scotland, ready to help customers through the claims process.  These PIAs have been on the ground since the first heavy rainfall, giving any assistance possible, including helping to cope with the damage, as well as authorising repairs and alternative accommodation where necessary. 

Martin Egan, national property claims manager at Direct Line, comments: “We take the current severe weather and flooding situation extremely seriously, and have put our emergency action plans into place.  We have sent staff to the Crieff evacuation centre to help any affected customers. Our priority is reassuring householders with Direct Line home insurance policies and getting them back in their home as quickly as possible. 

While those affected may find themselves still in the early stages of flooding or flood risk, the following information may be of use now and in the future:

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 0845 601 3004 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 the footage; they may help with 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
• Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use
• Do not rush to redecorate your home as it can take weeks for a flood-damaged property to fully dry out
• Do not lift wet carpets unless absolutely necessary as they may shrink

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 valuable and electrical items in high cupboards 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
• 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
• If your property has flooded, switch off your mains power supply to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire caused by floodwater
• Store important documents, including insurance policy details and useful contact numbers in a watertight bag in a dry accessible place, preferably upstairs 
• Make up a flood emergency kit and keep it in a safe place.  Include key personal documents, a torch and portable radio with spare batteries, warm clothing, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, cleaning equipment, disinfectant and detergent, heavy duty refuse bags, a first aid kit and any essential medication
• Make a list of useful numbers you may need – your insurer, your local council, the emergency services and the number of Floodline, tel: 0845 988 1188
• Buy air brick covers or flood boards to block doorways

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Notes to editors

For further information please contact: 

Claire Foster
PR Manager 
Direct Line
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
020 8285 8682
07900 217 264

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 are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc, which is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting