Flood claims in Cumbria and southern Scotland could exceed £100m, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Following the highest level of rainfall (314mm) since records began, over 1300 homes and many businesses, particularly in the Cockermouth, Keswick and Workington areas were severely flooded by the deluge and a major emergency response put into operation.

People are now facing a massive clear-up operation with the long process of drying out, upheaval, business interruption and financial pressures that inevitably follows such major devastation. The ABI says that the average cost of flood damage to homes is between £20,000 to £40,000. The financial affect on businesses can be many times more, particularly in those areas such as Workington, where due to bridge collapses, access is a major problem. Indeed without expert support and guidance many companies may not recover.

At times like this underinsurance is a common issue, but even with adequate cover in place, the stress of dealing with the clean-up and recovery process at the same time as seeking to manage the insurance claims process can be just too much to handle without professional assistance. Obtaining scarce emergency resources and interim funding, dealing with the insurance company’s Loss Adjusters, the negotiation of the claim and the appropriate application of the policy proceeds can be particularly daunting and frequently leads to the conflict and delays often associated with insurance claims.

With almost 150 years of experience handling incidents of this nature, the UK’s foremost insurance claim specialists, Harris Balcombe were immediately able to mobilize their catastrophe procedures in response to the initial alerts and senior staff were dispatched to the flooded areas. We are now working closely with the community to provide insurance advice, assist with emergency repairs and ensure that local people and businesses are able to get back to normal as quickly as possible. At this stage it is clear that a large number of properties have suffered extensive damage and disruption and will find it necessary to submit substantial claims to their insurers. We have already been retained by a number of individuals and businesses who require the expert support needed to ensure that their flood claims are processed as quickly as possible.

If as matters progress, you feel that our expertise would be a useful resource to have on your side, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to meet with you on an entirely no obligation basis. Just call us on:

0844 544 1699 (24/7 National Flood Helpline)

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