Lloyds Banking Group anticipates storm damage claims

Last year Lloyds Bank Insurance handled 15,642 storm damage claims, totalling over £8m to repair.

The average cost of a claim last year was just over £500.

Tim Downes, senior claims manager, Lloyds Bank Insurance, said: “Strong winds and heavy rain can wreak havoc on homes and gardens, but a few simple steps can go a long way to reduce the damage.”

Lloyds offered the following advice:

Outside:

Clear the gutters and drain pipes of any leaves or debris that have built up in them to reduce the risk of blocks and overflows

Keep gates and outbuilding doors fastened securely and secure any other loose items

Check external light fittings are secure

Cut back low hanging branches that could cause damage in high winds or storms

Check the condition of the roof. Look for cracked or broken tiles, cracks in the chimney or problems with the pointing.

In an emergency:

Keep a home emergency kit prepared in case of a winter emergency such as a severe storm. This could include torches, spare bulbs and batteries, your home insurance documents, other emergency contact details, tinned food, warm clothing, blankets and a shovel

Listen to the radio or check online for regular updates on the weather or other emergency situations

Lloyds Bank Home Insurance offers its customers a 24-hour Emergency Homeline as standard, manned by fully trained colleagues, who can offer useful information and advice on how to manage a home emergency, for example how to find a reputable plumber for emergency call-outs.