Vehicle owners in high-risk areas are being urged by motoring experts to take extra precautions in the wake of Storm Bert and continued flooding.
Storm Bert has unleashed more than 80% of November’s average rainfall in under 48 hours, wreaking havoc across the UK. Torrential rain and strong winds have led to widespread flooding and severe travel delays across the country.
Low-lying areas and major transport routes have been among the hardest hit. In Listowel, over 70 homes were evacuated, and more than 100 roads have become impassable in what has been described as the worst flooding in over 50 years.
When it comes to the cost of damages at the hands of Storm Bert, past events may provide some perspective. Though calculated over a longer period of time, Government figures show flooding between November 2019 and March 2020 resulted in economic losses of £333 million.
With Storm Bert’s unprecedented rainfall, many areas of the UK are now beginning to count the costs of the damages caused, and in Northern Ireland, the combined damage to property and infrastructure, as well as disruptions to Christmas trade, means the region expects losses of millions of Euro.
Vehicles are particularly vulnerable during flooding events, and vehicle expert and Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee urges drivers across the country to take precautions, sharing some key advice for motorists:
“Storm Bert has caused chaos across the UK, with heavy rainfall and rising floodwaters creating hazardous conditions for drivers. If you own a car, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. Don’t leave your vehicle parked in low-lying areas where it’s vulnerable, and never attempt to drive through floodwater – even if it looks shallow. It takes just 30cm of water to make a car float, and the damage from water getting into your engine or electronics can be catastrophic.
If your vehicle has already been caught in the flood, resist the urge to start it up, as this could cause irreversible damage. Instead, get it checked by a professional before doing anything else. With storms like this becoming more common, it’s also worth double-checking your insurance to ensure you’re covered for flood-related issues.
Stay safe, keep an eye on weather alerts, and take precautions now – a little effort could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.”
Drivers are reminded to review their car insurance policies to confirm flood damage coverage. While comprehensive insurance typically includes protection against flood damage, third-party or third-party, fire, and theft policies usually do not. Negligent behaviour, such as attempting to drive through floodwaters, may also void claims, even with comprehensive cover. Coverage providers may treat the impact of Storm Bert differently, so drivers are urged to check their policy if they have concerns.
Vehicle owners in high-risk areas are encouraged to take proactive steps, such as parking on higher ground, avoiding flood-prone routes, and staying informed through weather alerts.
