Property News Item: 00451

28th Jun 2007

Nationwide offers advice to flood victims

Source: http://www.nationwide.co.uk

Following the devastating floods affecting parts of Britain this week, Nationwide Building Society provides advice for the flood victims and for all property owners who could face these conditions in the future. Nationwide recommends those affected by flood waters should:

* Inform their insurer as soon as possible - some insurers have a 24 hour helpline for policyholders to call if in need of advice
* Carry out emergency repair works that will prevent further damage. However, more permanent or extensive repairs should not be carried out without the prior agreement of the insurance company
* Not throw away affected furniture until authorised to do so by Loss Adjuster
* Keep all receipts
* Move essentials and valuables (for example food, clothing and televisions) upstairs to limit damage
* Move furniture away from the walls
* Not use electricity or gas
* Not drink tap water until advised to do so by their Local Authority or Loss Adjuster (if one has been appointed)
* Check whether their insurance company offers alternative accommodation under the terms of their policy
* Claim for vehicle damage under their comprehensive car insurance policy
* Call their insurance company's 24 hour helpline if they need advice

Once the floods have subsided, affected homeowners should:
* Oil hinges and locks to prevent corrosion
* Leave windows and doors open when they're at home to help dry out the house
* With the Loss Adjuster's approval, remove the floor covering and wash walls and floors with disinfectant and water.

Robin Bailey, divisional director for insurance at Nationwide, says: "The terrible flooding we have seen across the UK has shown just how important it is to have adequate home contents cover. Nationwide is doing everything it can to assist affected homeowners during this difficult time. The Society intends to make the clean-up operation as seamless as possible to ensure people's homes can get back to normal quickly. We have already received over 500 calls from affected Nationwide home insurance customers and we expect this number to increase. Therefore, we have additional staff working extra hours to manage the calls and look after our members when they need us most."

Even if homeowners haven't been affected by this week's floods, Nationwide recommends people check their insurance policies to ensure that they have adequate cover should the worst happen.