Record number of claims during winter 2010

15th February, 2011

The total number of customers that claimed on their insurance during the hard winter of 2010 reached over 450,000.

The Association of British Insurers reported that claims were being received at a rate of 12,000 claims a day and that the total cost of these claims on a daily basis will reach £38 million. The total claims number included cover for vehicles, home and business insurance.

In December there were claims for damages to property through bad weather and snow to the tune of £900 million. In Scotland, this suffered a very bad winter, there where over 31,000 claims for damage to property resulting in a bill of more than £90 million.

The main cause of damage to property was due to pipes bursting, the damage cost £680 million and the cost of burst pipes in Northern Ireland cost £40 million.

The number of claims from motorists for damage to their vehicles came to £530 million from 278,000 claims.

The high level of claims is likely to have an affect on claims in the future as insurance companies try to balance their books for the future.

It is important that policy holders read their policy documentation to ensure they are properly covered and to keep all the receipts that prove ownership. Policy documents should be stored safely and that everything is done to prevent damage or theft in the first instance.

 

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