Home insurance firm makes interim flood payout

One home insurance firm is giving policy holders an immediate payment following the weekend's flood, it has been announced.

NFU Mutual is to give its home insurance customers a payment of £500 in order to help them buy essentials in the very short term.

In the areas that have been worst affected by flooding, the firm has sent claims inspectors to help decide what specific assistance is required.

Sylvia Newham, spokesperson for the home insurance firm, said: There is clearly the potential for conditions to deteriorate with further torrential rain falling on areas already experiencing high river and water-table levels.

For this reason, people should remain on their guard, she added.

Yesterday, Sainsbury's Home Insurance warned that students living away from home might not be covered by their parents' policy.

It advised those who were not to take out cover themselves in order to protect their belongings while they are away from home.