21/10/2002

Coming into Autumn we start to face the greater likelihood of bad weather and the possibility of storms and gales. To help minimise damage and disruption to homes and working lives Legal & General offers the following advice.

Checklist

• Listen out for weather warnings on local radio or TV.
• Keep track of the weather forecast from The Met Office, with localised reports available online at www.met-office.gov.uk.
• Find out if your home is at risk by contacting the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188* or go to their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Storms - If you are warned of storms or gales:


• Check your drains and gutters and clear any leaves or debris blocking them.
• Secure loose items such as ladders, garden furniture, tools, etc.

Flooding - If you are pre-warned that flooding may occur:


• Move any personal possessions that can be moved to minimise damage.
• Make a list of useful numbers such as your local council, emergency services, your insurance company and your policy number.
• Prepare some food, drink, warm clothing and a first aid kit. A torch and battery radio (check the batteries still work), plus any regular medication.
• Check you know where utility supplies can be turned off. If unsure check with your supplier.
• Sandbags or floodboards could be used to block air bricks and doorways.

Buildings Insurance will cover any structural damage to a home, outbuildings, terraces, drives and footpaths but contrary to common perception fences and gates damaged by storms are not normally covered.

Home Contents Insurance covers any damage to household items - anything that is not part of the fixtures and fittings so furniture, TV, radio, stereo, personal items etc.

Ray Facer, Head of Technical Services, Legal & General Insurance said "As a leading household insurer we believe it is important to provide confidence to our customers that they are covered should bad weather hit them. All our current Buildings and Contents policies provide cover for storm and flood damage."

"We recommend to everyone, not just those living in areas with a high risk of flooding, that when bad weather is forecast they take preventative measures, using the advice we have outlined, to help minimise the amount of disruption they experience, both to the home and their working lives. These measures should also help limit any loss."

"Our experienced claims team understand how badly people and their property can be effected so deal promptly with all claims to reduce the inconvenience caused and complete the settlement as quickly as possible."

For further information (journalists only):
Berni Ryan
PR Manager
Tel: 01737 375369
Mobile: 07788 926790
Email: berni.ryan@landg.com

Notes to Editors

How to Claim- If unfortunate enough to suffer any damage then the following may help to ease the claiming process.

• Check your policy booklet and your schedule to check your cover and make a note of the Legal & General Insurance 24 hour Claim Helpline number - 0870 900 5565.
• Contact us as soon as possible. We need the policyholder's name, policy number, postcode and claim details eg type of damage, extent of damage. In many cases a claim form may be completed over the phone.
• Dependent on the type of claim Legal & General will then provide you with various services such as approved repairers or appoint a loss adjuster.
• Where there is flooding, mop up as much water as you can and to dry out your properties open the windows and ventilate rooms as much as possible. If using a fan blow COLD air through the room.
• The Claims Helpline is for Legal & General Policyholders only. Calls are charged at the national rate and for customer protection we may record and monitor calls.
• Legal & General Insurance Limited is a member of the General Insurance Standards Council.