FLOOD DAMAGE
Description:
Flood damage is a regular occurrence in parts of the country near the sea and large rivers.
Many of these properties have made claims in the past but are now no longer insured. Flood events are becoming more extensive and therefore affect properties that are outside any exclusion zones defined by insurers.
Flood damage affects low level and basement, Building, Machinery, Contents and Stock. The event occurs quickly – often without a lot of warning. Floor coverings, dry linings, stock and machinery are often damaged beyond repair.
The claim process and reinstatement process may take many months to complete because the scope of the damage affects the entire footprint of a building.
Clearys Loss Assessors have dealt with all types of flood damage claims. We can help you compile, submit and negotiate your claim to a satisfactory settlement. Our aim is to minimise your stress, time lines and maximise your entitlement under your policy.
Tips:
In the event of Flood Damage:
- Put water barriers at doors and manholes.
- Prepare documents, check insurance cover.
- Lift all items off floors and keep them above expected water level.
- Turn off Electricity/Gas, unplug all electrical items.
- Get your family to safe clean alternative accommodation.
- Avoid contact with flood water. Wear protective boots, gloves and goggles
- Try to stop more water from coming in, if save to do so.
- Be aware of possible structural damage.
- Photograph flood damage before cleaning up.
- Remove standing water and let air circulate.
- Clean up using disinfectants.
- Contact Clearys Loss Assessors to get professional advice before you claim.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Case Study:
In 2009, the whole country experienced severe flooding and storm damage.
It was called the worst event in 50 years – indeed, some suggested it was the worst in living memory. Global warming was blamed for the damage or, at least, for having contributed to it. Bad planning and development were also highlighted as causes for many of the properties affected.
Today, only 6 years later, things are as bad as ever – worse indeed, given that the proportion of properties having flood insurance cover is much lower now than it was in 2009. Following the flooding in 2009, many buildings were repaired with the money paid by Insurers making buildings habitable, comfortable and usable again. Little thought was put into preparing for similar occurrences happening again and certainly not only 6 years later.
This is a tragedy.
Clearys have come across numerous cases of flood damage where there is no insurance cover this time around. TV programmes and interviews are highlighting the extremely difficult circumstances this type of slow, insidious, destructive damage has inflicted on many unfortunate householders, farmers and businesses. Others in vulnerable areas, though not yet affected, are fearful for the future.
Securing assistance from the state is a possibility but the funds available to successful applicants are very low. Even at that, compensation is available only to those who do not have insurance cover and have suffered clear and specific damage. The Irish Red Cross are also distributing funds and humanitarian aid to people exposed to flooding but similar limitations apply to that scheme.
After the 2009 event, there was much work done by the state, through local authorities and the Office of Public Works. Defined areas which would be categorised as flood zones for national flood mapping purposes were identified. The insurers then availed of this service and either withdrew flood cover for property in these areas or hiked premiums for those who were “lucky” enough to be offered cover. Of course they would – what would you do?
The ball was then dropped by the state. No planning was put in place to deal with the obvious: what would happen to all those areas and their inhabitants, businesses and farm owners when flooding returned? Far fewer of them would have insurance cover next time around.
The Irish solution to this Irish problem was for government to call a meeting with the insurance industry after the horse had bolted. Clearly, for many unfortunate victims of recent events, there was no access to funds, allied to which they had the worry and stress of possible further recurrences with no prospect of cover being reinstated. Even if cover was available, it would be prohibitively expensive.
It appears that a possible solution for the state, property and business owners, insurers and, indeed, charities is to define a plan for residents and businesses that are in this “Catch 22” situation: Let the state assist them in buying insurance cover going forward and stop all future development, without appropriate flood protection, in these areas.
This scheme could include loss of profits cover for farmers and businesses. Cover could be capped so the potential recoveries deal with ‘humanitarian’ issues if they arise. The claims would be dealt with by the insurance industry. The state would have no involvement in the process nor would the charities.
Ultimately, it should be clear to everyone that continuing to reside in flood zones carries a risk and that, over time, people should have the choice and wherewithal to move away from them. Such a scheme would mean that the cost to the state could be evenly spread over time and insurers could remain on the pitch with all the structures to deal with this problem at no additional cost to them.