Home Insurance

Nationwide recommends those affected by flood waters should:

* Inform their insurer as soon as possible - some insurers have a
24 hour helpline for policyholders to call if in need of advice
* Carry out emergency repair works that will prevent further
damage. However, more permanent or extensive repairs should not be
carried out without the prior agreement of the insurance company
* Keep affected furniture until authorised to dispose of it by a
loss adjuster
* Keep all receipts
* Move essentials and valuables (for example food, clothing and
televisions) upstairs to limit damage
* Move furniture away from the walls
* Not use electricity or gas
* Not drink tap water until advised to do so
* Check whether their insurance company offers alternative
accommodation under the terms of their policy
* Claim for vehicle damage under their comprehensive car insurance
policy
* Call their insurance company's 24 hour helpline if they need
advice.

Once the floods have subsided, affected homeowners should:

* Oil hinges and locks to prevent corrosion
* Leave windows and doors open when they're at home to help dry
out the house
* With a loss adjuster's approval:

* Remove the floor covering
* Wash walls and floors with disinfectant and water.

Robin Bailey, insurance director at Nationwide, says: "The fact that
more flooding is expected across the UK this weekend highlights the
importance of having adequate home contents insurance cover. Nationwide
will do everything it can to assist homeowners affected by flooding. The
Society intends to make the clean-up operation as seamless as possible
to ensure people's homes can get back to normal as soon as possible."

Even if homeowners are not affected by flooding, Nationwide recommends
people check their insurance policies to ensure that they have adequate
cover should the worst happen.