Help your customers be ready for Storm Darragh

As the UK prepares for the arrival of Storm Darragh, it's essential for your customers to safeguard their homes, businesses or both. We're here to assist you in supporting them, making sure they stay safe and return to normal as quickly as possible.

With amber warnings in place, heavy rainfall and high winds predicted over the weekend across the south, west and central parts of England and in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and Wales, taking preventative action now can help minimise damage to homes and businesses.

Laura Lazarus, Head of Home Claims at Aviva, said:

“The arrival of the fourth named storm of the season, Storm Darragh, is expected to bring extremely heavy rain and high winds as it moves across the country over the weekend. If the worst does happen, our claims team are on standby to help customers whose homes, businesses or cars have experienced damage.”

For commercial lines, take a look at our detailed guidance to help businesses manage their risks.

To assist your personal lines customers in safeguarding their homes and belongings we've created a checklist to help your customers stay as safe as possible.

Before the storm, if it is safe to do so:

• Inspect your roof for any missing/loose tiles or slates or areas of damage. Our research suggests roof damage is the most common home issue caused by extreme weather.
• Safely store away garden furniture, tools and ornaments, making sure any large pieces that can’t be moved are securely fixed. Secure fences and gates.
• Make sure gutters and downpipes are attached securely and clear out your gutters and drains to prevent water overflowing.
• Listen out for flood warnings in your area and sign up to the Government’s flood risk checker.
• Move your car to higher ground and move valuables to a higher level (such as high shelves or upstairs) if you live in a high flood risk area.
• Prepare a storm emergency kit in case you need to leave your home. Pack warm clothes, medicines, a torch, batteries, spare house and car keys and bottled water.
• Reschedule travel plans where possible. Driving through floodwaters or in strong wind can be dangerous.
• Read your home insurance documents and store them safely, whether in your home or on your insurer’s app, so you know what's covered if you need to make a claim.
• Alert your neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable neighbours so everyone knows there's a storm on the way.

During the storm:

• Make sure all doors and windows are closed and sealed to avoid water entering your home.
• Don’t try to repair damage while the storm is ongoing. Property can be repaired; it’s more important to stay safe.
• Evacuate when told to do so and follow the instructions of the emergency services.

After the storm:

• If your home or belongings have been damaged, contact your insurer as soon as possible to let them know what has happened. Insurers are best placed to help manage your claim from start to finish.
• List any damage to your property and don’t throw anything away in case it’s needed for the claims process.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbours. You may be able to help arrange repairs if their home has been damaged.

You can notify claims online through our broker website – potentially saving time and allowing you to report a Motor or Property claim 24/7, 365 days a year. If you’ve not used it yet, it’s simple to register. Just log into the Aviva Broker website, select the Claims tab and click ‘Request access’.

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