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12th January 2012

'It pays to have high quality insurance' as severe weather hits UK

It may be a good idea for buy-to-let property owners to check they have adequate buildings insurance for landlords in place following this week's bout of severe weather.

January 3rd saw gale-force winds cause damage to property up and down the country while heavy rains led to flooding in some parts of the UK.

The Met Office still as severe weather warnings in place for many regions, particularly in Scotland, Wales and northern England.

Peter Harrison, insurance expert at moneysupermarket.com, said the situation demonstrates the need for property owners to take steps to protect themselves from the effects of severe weather.

"2012 is already making its mark with severe weather and flood warnings being issued across the UK," he said.

"Many people stand to be affected by heavy storms and gales and I urge anyone who has been, or stands to be, affected by this severe weather to act now."

In particular, it is important to have adequate insurance in place.Landlords may find they need to have both buildings and contents insurance to make sure they are fully covered, and may be wise to compare different contents insurance quotes to make sure they are getting the level of cover needed.

"It pays to make sure that the quality of your insurance is high and you won't be left out of pocket if you had to make a claim," said Mr Harrison.

"If you are unfortunate enough to be flooded, you may need to claim on both your contents and buildings policies. Fixtures such as fireplaces and electric lights, which you may have thought would be covered under a buildings policy, will usually be classified as contents."

He added that those at risk from the flooding should take expensive portable items upstairs or somewhere else dry to keep them safe, stock up on sand bags and check outside drains are clear and are not blocked.