London, UK (13 February, 2014) – As the UK continues to deal with extreme flooding and wind damage, specialist insurer Hiscox has provided the following advice as it works to help its customers – both businesses and homeowners – who may have either suffered damage to their buildings or possessions, or be under threat of imminent damage from wind or water.
Emergency evacuation support
Should a Hiscox customer be advised to evacuate their home by the emergency services or authorities, Hiscox will provide a payment of £250 towards any expenses incurred. This payment is open to all its customers who are forced to evacuate their home regardless of whether they pursue a claim. It is in addition to a customer’s cover and there is no excess to pay. Claiming this payment will not affect any other claims Hiscox customers might have to make, or any ongoing claims.
If a Hiscox customer has been advised to leave their home, they should call Hiscox on:
01904 618 200.
Top tips for those in danger of flooding
Hiscox also recommends the following ten tips for those in danger of flooding:
1) Call 999 if you, or anyone in your vicinity is in danger or have been injured. Be sure to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours
2) Gather essential items such as blankets, a torch, a first aid kit, medication, food and water, as well as a change of clothes and toiletries, should you need to be evacuated
3) Move valuables, treasured personal items and important documents upstairs or to a safe location for safe keeping and where possible take your family, friends and pets to higher ground
4) Note down emergency contact details such as your home insurance provider and claims line, home emergency cover, local council or the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 9881188
5) Keep connected to what’s happening in your local area through the Environment Agency website and Twitter – use the #Ukfloods hashtag or search for #floods in your local area. Follow Hiscox’s advice @hiscoxukfloods
6) If water is about to enter your home, switch off water, gas and electricity at the mains to protect your property. If you are standing in water, do not touch sources of electricity
7) For water inlet pipes, if you don’t have non-return valves fitted, plug them with towels or cloths to stop additional water flowing into your home
8) Disconnect any equipment that uses water such as your dishwasher, or washing machine
9) Follow the advice of the emergency services – they will only be asking you to evacuate for your own safety and will take you to a local centre where you will be provided with food and bedding
10) If you choose to stay with friends and relatives, rather than the evacuation centre, tell someone so the emergency services are aware
Commenting on the current flood and extreme weather situation, Kate Markham, Managing Director of Hiscox UK Direct said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this winter's extreme weather. It’s our job to help our customers get through this difficult period, whether through financial support for evacuating their property, or in swiftly rectifying the damage to possessions or property and allowing them to return to their homes or business premises as quickly as possible. Our claims teams are in the process of contacting any of our customers who we think might be affected, but for any customer who may not have heard from us and needs to make a claim, please call our claims line, which is open 24 hours a day, on 01904 618 200."
Other useful contact numbers include:
Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 any time, day or night, for real-time flood warnings and advice.
Highways Agency Information Line 08457 504030 for up to date travel advice.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Hiscox Ltd
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020 7448 6522 |
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Notes to editors
Hiscox, headquartered in Bermuda, is an international specialist insurance group listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group – Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites mainly internationally traded business in the London Market – generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Europe offers a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and USA.
For further information, visit www.hiscoxgroup.com.
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