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Home insurance tips offered for potential flood victims

05/10/06

Home insurance advice is being offered following the Environment Agency's announcement that spring tides will hit the UK's coasts this week.
 
Direct Line, a home insurance company, has suggested that important documents, including home insurance details, should be put in a safe place.
 
Likewise, the same advice applies to passports, bills and photographs, in order to save them from damage.
 
Additionally, Direct Line indicates that consumers should be ready to turn all gas and electricity off in the event of flooding and ensure that the property is properly maintained; if not, further accidents could occur, which may result in an increase in home insurance claims.
 
Furthermore, the insurer suggests that if flooding disaster does occur, consumers should contact their home insurance provider in order to gather advice on reputable firms that can undertake the repair work.
 
Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance for Direct Line, said: "It can be a slow process sorting out repairs in a flooded area because builders and tradesmen are in such demand.
 
"Your insurer should be able to put you in touch with a list. In the past we have drafted in builders from other parts of the country to deal with floods."
 
Overall, Direct Line warns consumers who think their homes are at risk from flooding to ensure that they hold the correct home contents insurance, to avoid problems later down the line.

In related home news, Halifax Home Insurance announced last week that parents are adding to the cost of their offspring's homes via DIY projects, but should be doing so with correct home insurance cover.