Home insurance expert's advice for those affected by Northants flooding
A home insurance expert says they've seen a rise in claims after the heavy rainfall and flooding that hit Northamptonshire.
A home insurance expert says they've seen a rise in claims after the heavy rainfall and flooding that hit Northants and parts of England.
Last month we saw the highest September rainfall in Northampton since records began.
The county saw three times the average monthly rainfall, with almost 15cm of rain compared with an average of around 6cm.
As a result, residential and business properties were flooded, as were some schools and several caravan parks including Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill Holiday Park and Yarwell Mill Caravan Park.
Last week West Northants Council thanked those involved in helping the community during the flooding. They say British Red Cross, 4x4 Response, Re:ACT and Rapid Response Team, particularly stepped in to support.
What to do if you've been flooded?
The government still says flooding is possible to gardens and driveways close to rivers with one flood warning for the River Nene still in place and heavy rain expected later today Monday 7th October.
Gary Barker is an expert in home insurance, and has advice for anyone affected:
"If you have been flooded... report to your insurance coming as fast as you can. All insurance companies are there to help. So if you get in touch with them quickly they'll do their best to get you back to the position you were in before the flood happened."
Gary also says if you know items where damaged by flooding and will have to be thrown away and replaced, you should make sure to take photos of those items before you dispose of them.
This time of year Gary says is often known for flooding, so companies are used to dealing with cases at this time:
"We do get floods at this time of year through the winter so it's relatively common, most insurers are geared up to look after people at this time of year."