There have been reports in the media of ‘entrepreneurs’ targeting flood affected areas with offers to help households progress their insurance claims for a percentage of the payout.
The Government is keen to ensure that practical information is made available to flood affected communities on where they can go for free independent advice on insurance matters.
The advice is:
- Claims can be made directly and free of charge to your insurer. They are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and they have to handle your claim fairly
- Free, independent advice is available face-to-face and by telephone from the Citizen’s Advice Service on 01242 522491
- The FSA and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are also useful places to turn to for further information on insurance matters
- You should think carefully before enlisting a third party’s help in progressing your insurance claim
- If you do decide to hire a third party – make sure you check how much it will cost you first as they may charge a share of any sum paid out by the insurer. You should also check that they are regulated by the FSA or are an exempt professional firm such as a law firm.
In discussion with the FSA and the ABI the Government has pulled together a short note outlining basic information on insurance matters and things to be aware of before hiring a third party’s help.
The Association of British Insurers has also published information on the weather damage cover normally included in standard policies.
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