Storm set to cost UK insurers pounds 2m
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BRITISH INSURANCE companies are bracing themselves for the highest single pay-out for weather-related claims since 1990 - an estimated pounds 2m - from damage caused to property by the Christmas storm.
Mark Bishop, of Cornhill Insurance, said there will be large claims for roof and chimney damage, although most of the bad weather on Boxing Day had hit "waste land".
Five people died and thousands of homes were left without electricity when 110mph winds lashed the north-west.
Nearly 100,000 homes were affected in Scotland. Some 5,000 homes in remote rural areas remained without power last night. In the Irish Republic, about 25,000 homes were still without power.
Road and rail networks were also affected.
Householders across Britain are likely to pay a price for the wild conditions. It is estimated that insurance claims will now total pounds 800m for 1998, just under a third more than in the previous year. This is also due to winter storms and two periods of severe flooding.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: "This has been a particularly bad-weather year as far as we are concerned."
The poor weather is likely to continue, affecting New Year celebrations, the Met Office said. A spokesperson said: "I don't think we'll see winds quite as strong as we saw in Scotland and Ireland but the weather remains unsettled." The west is likely to be affected by strong winds and driving rains.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments