Leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, is highlighting the devastation caused by the Great Storm of October 1987 to warn homeowners to prepare for autumn gales and floods.

The October 15 1987 storm which devastated the south of England was, at the time, the worst since 1703 and led to over 13,000 claims to NFU Mutual.

With the tail of Hurricane Ophelia heading for the UK, NFU Mutual is advising homeowners and businesses to ensure they are ready for autumn storm.

“Checking properties for things like loose roof tiles and gutters can prevent storms causing damage. Inside it’s well worth having torches and emergency supplies on hand in case power goes off,” said NFU Mutual’s Tim Price.

To maintain close contact with its customers, NFU Mutual has a 300-strong local branch network across the UK. This means that when floods and gales strike the insurer is able to get to affected customers quickly, making emergency payments, arranging alternative accommodation and getting drying-out and roof repairs underway.

In the Great Storm thirty years ago, this meant that despite roads being blocked by fallen trees and ‘phone lines brought down, NFU Mutual’s local agents were able to get through to affected policyholders to get emergency repairs started.

This strategy has meant NFU Mutual customers have received help very quickly when events strike. For example, over the last decade:

2007 Midland floods

2010 Massive snowfall across Scotland and North East England

2013 Somerset Levels floods

2015 Lake District and North West England floods

2017 Coverack flash flood

“We’re a mutual insurer whose first priority is to help customers when they need us most,” said Tim.

“Our network of local offices means we know our customers and are able to come to their assistance very quickly when they are in trouble after weather events like storms and floods. When extreme weather strikes, we quickly make contact with all seriously-affected homeowners and businesses. We make immediate payments of £500 – or more if necessary - and can arrange emergency accommodation for people who are unable to stay in their homes.”

For further information on what to do in bad weather visit www.nfumutual.co.uk