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'Extreme weather drives home insurance claims'

(21 Feb 2007)

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

The extreme weather which has gripped Britain over the past two months has caused an estimated £300 million in home insurance damage, according to new figures.

Research released by Barclays Insurance reveals that the number of households suffering from storm damage in last January was up by some 158 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Over the past two months 60 per cent of all home insurance claims are reported to be weather-related, with the average claim costing more than £500 each.

Marketing director for Barclays Insurance Mark Till claimed that since Christmas Britain has seen conditions ranging from tornadoes to snow, causing a wide range of damage.

He said: "This can range from something as simple as a damaged fence to severe structural damage such as the roof being blown off or walls collapsing.

"This is devastating enough for a family so it is some comfort to know that they have adequate insurance and will get the assistance they need to get things repaired and back to normal as quickly as possible."

Last month a number of motor, home and travel insurance companies were warned by the Financial Services Authority to stop using their advertising campaigns to mislead consumers into believing they will be able to make savings on their insurance claims.

However travel insurance firms were reported to be of a higher standard than their home and motor insurance counterparts.

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