FOR those whose homes have been damaged by flooding, the start to the new year could not be worse.

Not only do they have to face the mammoth task of cleaning up their properties, but they have the additional worry of making insurance claims.

In the Bradford area, around 400 homes were evacuated in Stockbridge, Keighley, Bingley following the recent storms and heavy rainfall.

John Hansford, of Hansford Insurance Consultants, in Sunbridge Road, who helps clients to find the right insurance policy and arranges it on their behalf, has received many calls from people wanting advice after their homes were flooded.

“Firstly, they want to know whether they are covered for this type of thing and what they should do to try and put the situation right. I would look at their policy cover and also advise them to take photographs of the scene and of any damaged items.”

“Taking photographs is important as, if you have a loss, evidence will be needed of what was damaged so they can carry out an assessment. If you have to dispose of any items you will still have a record of them.”

He said that people who did not expect their homes to flood were shocked. “Certain areas, such as the Calder Valley, are prone to flooding and half expect it, but in some parts of Bradford and Baildon which have not been affected before, it came as a complete shock.”

Between Christmas and New Year is not a good time to sort out practicalities, but, adds John: “Things should start moving along today.” People whose homes have been affected will hopefully start the process of getting back on their feet.

Householders may be worried about future claims. “There are a number of things that could happen,” explains John. “Their insurer could put their premiums up, or they could provide flood cover but with a large excess for flood claims, or they may not offer flood cover at all.”

With domestic properties, a not-for-profit scheme called Floor Re - which provides affordable insurance for properties in flood-prone areas - is expected to be introduced in April 2016. Developed by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Government, it will provide a fund to enable insurers to pass the flood risk element of home insurance - buildings and contents - at a premium that will be capped depending on the property’s Council Tax band.

Insurers would pass into Floor Re those high risk homes they feel unable to insure themselves, retaining the non-flood risks such as fire, theft and subsidence. “The Government is going to become the second insurer,” says John. Customers will not notice any difference, as they will continue to be covered by their home insurer.

Swinton Insurance on Manningham Lane, Bradford, offers help to people regardless of whether they have a policy with the company.

Branch manager Darryl Leach, says: “Anyone living in areas presently affected by flooding is encouraged to call into our Bradford branches for face-to-face, personal support with their insurance claim and help understanding their policies - regardless of whether they are a Swinton customer.

“We hope this will be a useful first step in helping our local community get back on their feet at this stressful time.”

Commenting on the flooding in the north of England, Mark Shepherd, general insurance policy manager at the ABI, says: “Insurers will be doing everything possible to help customers hit by the latest floods. They will be operating 24-hour emergency helplines to give customers immediate advice and help. As they have been doing in Cumbria, where needed they will make emergency payments and arrange temporary alternative accommodations or business premises.

“As soon as flood waters recede and it is safe to do so, they will be assessing damage and start the drying out process.”

Two years ago flooding also took place over the Christmas and New Year period, when many loss adjusters were on the ground the same day to help people affected.

This week insurers will be contacting customers in flooded areas to offer assistance, while ensuring claim lines have the capacity to deal with the increased number of calls. Insurers’ emergency response teams will be deployed in areas with a significant number of affected customers.

“Emergency payments will be made to support flooded customers, families and businesses, to tackle immediate needs,” says Mark. “They will also provide alternative accommodation and business premises as a matter of urgency to affected eligible customers. Loss adjusters will be sent to homes as soon as practically possible.”