Flood Damage – What Can I Do?
The Holidays may be over but winter is only just beginning with many professionals saying that February will be our coldest month yet and with the recent hurricane warnings and torrential rain that has hit Ireland recently, January is looking to be a major contender so we thought it would be useful to do a blog on the topic.
It is important to remember that flooding can cause extensive damage to your homes and vehicles and sometimes it can be unavoidable.
If you need to make a claim, don’t hesitate, please call our office on 1890 746 759 as soon as the claim occurs. Time can be an asset to have with regards to flood damage and remember you want to get first in line when it comes to a claim.
First things first, Safety.
If you can manage it, during stormy weather or even several days after it, try keep away from deep or fast flowing water and areas that may be flooded. Radio’s can be your best friend here and their traffic reports can often help you avoid driving through a particularly bad area. More often than not, we don’t know an area is flooded or that a tree as fallen on the roads until we pass through it, but by utilising your car radio, you can save yourself time and hassle by tuning in to the traffic report on your journey.
Remember to keep wrapped up and warm and also have an emergency kit needed for your car should anything happen.
Always Keep An Emergency Kit On Hand.
- The first item needed is just a small first aid kit, everybody gets injuries on the road, it’s important to be prepared. Keep it stocked and replaced any used items. Hopefully you will never need it, but it is better to be prepared, than the alternative.
- Next you should always have a torch with spare batteries. It can be very dark especially during the winter months and it can be a nightmare trying to fix your car or see your surroundings with your phone’s screen.
- Water – Many of us take this for granted, but is important for cleaning anything or to prevent dehydration.
- Electrical tape, this is very useful in making minor repairs and if very handy to have on hand.
- Optional – Plastic Rain Poncho – Not only will you thank us if your car stops in the middle of a massive downpour, but at least you will be dry and this can prevent you from getting sick.
If you need to, you can arrange urgent building repairs and remedial work such as plumbing or boarding up, just try to retain any paperwork to help your insurance company process the claim.
If your car was inundated in water, then please allow as much water to drain before testing to see if your car can be driven to safety.
If you have breakdown assistance and the level of water has rendered your car immobile, then please contact them or us and we will quickly provide you with the number.
Remember that any damage to your car should be covered if you have comprehensive car insurance. This means that any damage mechanical or to the body work will be repaired, please check with your insurer before going to a garage as they might have a pre approved garage to deal with such and by using your own garage you may have to pay a higher policy excess and any hire car costs.
Remember that you will never be off the road even if your car is rendered immobile; garages will often provide a hire car to use while yours is repaired and most often than not, your insurer will pay for the cost. Please check this with your insurer however as this isn’t always the case.
It is important to remember that flood damage can often affect your no claims bonus (unless of course you have a no claims bonus protection).
If you want to see your question answered here on our blog or if you are interested any kind of insurance, give us a call (1890-746-759). Our website is also here to answer any of your questions and to give you a FREE quotation on your insurance. We also have a twitter and a facebook page that you can use to contact us, should you have any questions.
