While nobody could predict the force with which Storm Bert would impact large swathes of the country, with towns underwater and supply lines damaged, a good insurance policy will hopefully come to the recue of any stores affected.
Insurers are certainly not new to the concept of bad weather, and will be prepared for events such as this. But what should you do if your store is hit by adverse weather, has damage or, worse still, is currently underwater?
Louise Clark, general insurance policy adviser at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: “An insurers’ priority will be to help affected customers recover as quickly as is practical. If your property or vehicle has been damaged, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.”
Clark’s advice for anyone affected, after contacting their insurer, is to first assess the damage. A good insurer will be able to offer temporary trading spaces if you have chosen that cover, and they will be able to advise on clean ups and repair, or at least the process behind it.
After an initial clean and the stripping out of any damaged items in a store, as well as a literal ‘drying off’ period, repair work can begin. “Your loss adjuster will appoint a builder to do the repair and reconstruction work and keep you updated on expected timeframes. You can also ask your insurer if you are eligible for Build Back Better, which can include installing property flood resilience measures as part of flood repairs,” Clark advises.
“Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary.”
For more information, visit https://www.abi.org.uk/
Meanwhile, The Federation of Independent Retailers says anyone who needs help in affected areas whose businesses have been affected can contact them on 020 7017 8880 or by email at contactus@nfrn.org,uk.
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