ABI Advises Flood Victims

Advice for people who have been affected by flooding has been issued by the Association for British Insurers (ABI).

Parts of the west country have suffered flash floods since last week, while heavy rains were also experienced by many in England yesterday. A rise in home insurance claims from people living on flood plains is expected due to the adverse weather conditions.

Accordingly, the ABI has advised that most household and business protection policies "will cover" damage caused by floods. Householders affected should also contact their insurer "as soon as possible", and those who are suffering from minor damage should arrange for "temporary repairs" immediately.

Director general at the ABI Nick Starling said: "If you have been affected by flooding, contact your insurance company. Their priority is to deal with all claims as quickly as possible."

He added: "These events highlight just how important insurance protection is."

Parts of Oxfordshire received the equivalent of a month's worth of rain in a single evening yesterday, triggering flash floods and causing the death of a 17-year-old from Witney, who became trapped in a culvert during the extreme weather.

Speaking to the BBC, Peter Cleary from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our fire crews from Witney were in up to their necks in water. We wear buoyancy aids and jackets and we were doing all we could to try and save this lad."