STORM OPHELIA HAS caused widespread destruction today and continues to rage across the country.

As the storm passes and people assess the damage to their homes, businesses and other property, insurance will be at the forefront of their minds. There were concerns yesterday that insurance policies – particular car insurance – may not be valid during the storm, but insurers have confirmed policies will kick-in for storm damage.

The Irish Claims Consultants Association has issued advice to customers who have been impacted by the severe weather.

It is important for the duration of the storm that people stay inside and do not attempt to repair damage in these strong winds. However, once the storm passes, here are some things you can do:

• Take photographs of the damage to show your insurance company
• Secure your property from further damage – do temporary repairs
• Notify your insurance company of the damage
• Remove wet or damaged contents, but do not dispose of them off-site
• Make an inventory of the damage or appoint a loss assessor to help you with your claim

The association said insurance companies will “deploy all available resources to assess the damage as claims are notified.”

“All the major insurance companies will have additional staff to manhelp-lines and take notifications of claims. Loss adjusters will be deployed as first responders and will be using their cars as mobile offices submitting initial reports and estimates of the damage to insurers.”

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