Insurers say policies will NOT be void if people drive during a red alert
A post doing the rounds on social media is false, an industry group says.
INSURANCE IRELAND HAS advised that motor insurance cover operates as normal today and is not impacted by those driving in the extreme weather conditions.
The clarification comes after a post did the rounds on Facebook and Twitter claiming that insurance policies were void if motorists drove during a red weather alert.
A status red alert was put in place yesterday for all of Ireland ahead of the landfall of ex-hurricane Ophelia.
This FALSE post has been doing the rounds on social media.
In a statement, Insurance Ireland said:
“Damage to cars caused by the storm is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies. Third-party fire and theft policies cover motorists for damage to other cars in the event of an accident, injury to other people, or damage to your car in the event of a fire or theft.
Nevertheless, the group, which represents the insurance industry in Ireland, has advised motorists to heed the warnings in place from the authorities and avoid all non-essential travel.
Due to warnings of possible property damage caused by Storm Ophelia, the group said home insurance policyholders should be aware of the following information:
- Household buildings and contents insurance policies will cover damage caused by storms.
- Insurers will usually pay for the cost of temporary repairs, so keep receipts.
- Insurers will also usually pay for the cost of alternative accommodation, if the home becomes uninhabitable.
- Householders should check the full extent of their policies and contact their insurer or broker after the event.
The Irish Claims Consultants Association, which represents public loss assessors in Ireland, has advised policy holders to take photos of the damage for their insurance provider.
All major insurance companies will have additional staff to man helplines and take notifications of claims, with loss adjusters being deployed to assess damage, said the association.
Written by Christina Finn and posted on TheJournal.ie
