Flooding and storms: How to make an insurance claim

More bad weather is expected with numerous flood warnings in place

Heavy rain has brought extensive flood damage to the UK, with further threats to come in the coming weeks.

The expectation is that this will bring a string of insurance claims from residents whose homes and vehicles have been damaged.

It comes after the St Jude storm in southern England in October, which led to insurance payouts of about £130m, and the tidal surges and gales during December and the festive season.

Insurers have representatives in many of the areas affected, along with other authorities.

But the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that people can take action to mitigate the damage.

How can I prepare for the bad weather?

Coastal areas have been hit hard by the tough conditions

I've been affected. What should I do first?

Am I covered for storm damage?

Can I arrange for repair work to be done immediately?

What happens if my home is flooded and residents are evacuated?

Serious damage will lead an insurance company to appoint a loss adjuster

Who will assess the damage?

Should I appoint my own loss adjuster?

What about damage to my car?

Flooding has been particularly bad in some parts of the UK

Will insurance premiums go up as a result of this storm?

How much will this all cost insurance companies?

Winter storms caused extensive damage in December

Is there a question mark over insurance in the future?

How to insurers assess the flood risk?