Insurance claims treble as landlords assess storm and snow damage

Calls to the claims line of Simple Landlords Insurance were 300% higher at the start of this week compared to the same period last year.

Insurance claims treble as landlords assess storm and snow damage

The snow and storm damage from the Beast from the East and Storm Emma have hit buy-to-let properties hard, insurance claims figures indicate.

Calls to the claims line of Simple Landlords Insurance were 300% higher at the start of this week compared to the same period last year.

Most claims registered while the weather was at its worst were for burst pipes and storm damage. Fresh damage was suffered this week as the fast-melting snow entered hundreds of properties through the roof.

Richard Truman, head of operations from Simple Landlords said: “The snow itself caused some damage and the number of claims is surging now as it thaws out. Our team of loss adjusters are geared up to work long hours to organise repair work and payouts for our policyholders.

“Claims from our customers have tripled this week, compared to the same time last year. Despite the rise in calls, we’re pleased to say that we’ve spoken to everyone who called to register a claim and have had an average hold time of just three minutes.

“During the snow and storm last week a quarter of our claims team in Elland, West Yorkshire, made it into the office, with some walking several miles to get here.”

During the five worst days of the storm, until Monday 5 March, there was a 133% increase in calls to Simple Landlords’ emergency assistance helpline.