Delays, power cuts or insurance claims: What you can do if you are affected by Storm Eunice
by 0 by 0 Britain is currently in the grips of its worst storm in nearly 30 years, with rare red warnings issued for large swathes of the country. Schools have been closed, and at least 80,000 homes are without power.
So what can you do if Storm Eunice directly impacts you?
Will my insurance cover damage to my home or car?
Report any damage to your property or car to your insurance company as quickly as possible. Don’t arrange for repairs or temporary accommodation before you speak to them – most insurance companies should have 24 hour helplines set up to deal with issues arising from Storm Eunice.
When safe, make sure to document all of the damage to your home, in case your insurance provider requires it for evidence. Storm damage typically entails damage caused by fallen trees, flooding damage, or roof tiles and slates being dislodged.
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There is a chance they might decline to pay out based on their definition of a storm, but it will vary from area to area, and company to company. They may also reject your claim if your property was already damaged or in a state of disrepair.
If your car is damaged by falling debris, you should be able to claim with your provider, as long as you have comprehensive insurance. Third-party insurance doesn’t apply to storm damage.
What if my train is cancelled, or heavily delayed?
If your train is cancelled for any reason, you are entitled to a full refund for your ticket. In order to qualify, you must claim within 28 days of your travel date, says James Andrews, senior personal finance editor at money.co.uk.
To claim your refund in person, visit the National Rail ticket office at your local station. You must have a physical or digital copy of your unused ticket with you.
To claim online, visit the website where you originally booked the tickets. Head to the refund section, where you’ll be able to fill out a refund request form and attach proof of your physical or digital ticket. If approved your refund should be processed within 24 hours and you should get your money back within ten days, says Mr Andrews.
Even if your train isn’t cancelled, but is delayed, you may also be entitled to a refund. For train operators signed up to the Delay Repay scheme, travellers are entitled to 50% of their ticket price if their arrival is between 30 minutes and an hour late, and a full refund if they arrive more than one hour later.
What if my flight gets cancelled?
Airlines typically don’t offer refunds or compensation for flights delayed by bad weather. Storms are classified as extraordinary circumstances, which airlines refuse to cover.
They must, however, offer you assistance if your flight is delayed by more than two hours. The airlines have a legal duty to offer two phone calls, faxes, or emails, in addition to meals and refreshments that are commensurate with the length of time you have been delayed by.
The airline should offer a replacement flight or help with rebooking you on to a different flight, and provide a free hotel room if you are required to stay overnight.
What happens if the power to my house goes down?
UK Power Networks, which manages power lines across the East of England and London, has issued advice to homeowners in the event they are left without electricity due to the weather.
People are advised to call 105 if their power is cut off or they see a power line has been brought down in the strong winds.
