Thousands of claims already made following storm damage, rural insurer reports
22nd February 2022
NFU Mutual says it received over two claims per minute at its busiest point due to damage caused by Storm Eunice.
Storm Eunice, which saw gusts as high as 120mph hit the country, has caused widespread damage to homes, farms and other businesses all across the UK. Damage to power lines resulted in power cuts, trees were pulled from the ground, and buildings were damaged as the winds ripped through the country.
NFU Mutual, which activated its emergency plan last week to prepare for the storm and protect its customers, says it is progressing thousands of claims from across the UK, with the highest volume reported from the South West and South East of England. The insurer expects the number of claims to continue rising throughout the week, particularly after Storm Franklin hit through the night and into Monday morning.
Local agents and NFU Mutual regional and national claims teams are continuing to assist customers with claims, and an online form set-up for those with non-urgent damage saw a submission every 30 seconds at its peak. As part of its emergency response, the insurer has increased resources to continue to provide prompt and supportive service during the period of high demand.
Head of claims Paul Branch said: “Early indications suggest that Eunice has the potential to be larger than Storm Arwen, which caused widespread damage to farms and the countryside across the North East of England and Scotland and resulted in 7,500 claims to NFU Mutual.”
The insurer has also been helping with alternative accommodation or emergency payments for vital purchases and settling simpler claims on the spot, plus reviewing damage so repairs can begin without delay, he added.
“We urge anybody who has suffered damage to contact their insurer if they have not already done so.”
“Worst weather event in decades”
In Wells, where a Church spire was toppled last week by strong winds, senior NFU Mutual agent Gemma Heal, who suffered damage to her own property, said: “This has been the worst weather event that I have seen in my 21-year career at NFU Mutual and our absolute focus is to be there to support our customers and reassure them.
“Our office alone has received over a hundred claims from homes, farms and other rural businesses and it’s been all hands on deck.
“The storm has been devastating as farms have suffered roofs being ripped off barns and stables, homeowners have had stonework crushed by trees and greenhouses have been shattered.
“People have been incredibly resilient, but these incidents are hugely distressing and we want to do everything we can to help.”
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