Over the past 3 weeks the UK has experienced significant snow fall followed by a severe cold front which has prevented the snow from thawing leaving many areas badly affected with freezing temperatures and lying snow. Motorways and A roads are in the main clear but many villages, small towns and back roads are hazardous which will only be exacerbated should we experience further snowfall. Forecasts indicate that Rain, sleet and snow will spread slowly east from southwest England today, heavy at times with this continuing overnight.
In view of the adverse weather experienced and to come, the Davies Group can advise as follows:
Davies Loss Adjusting
Problems last week with access around high ground and remote locations however, most areas fine this week.
Claims due to burst pipes and weight of snow received in addition to flooding caused by snow melt. Workloads about three times “normal” levels in NI and Scotland and up around 30% elsewhere. Additional resources have been focused where required and weekend working has been arranged. Due to these measures, all visits (where possible) are being arranged within SLA’s and efforts are being concentrated on effective and timely mitigation activity.
Davies Managed Systems & BVU (Buildings Validation Unit)
An increase in new claims has been experienced (now at various stages of their FNOL lifecycle either contact, callback, cover detail request or FNOL complete) which has generated a significant amount of work.
Our present priority remains a focus on the management of the new claims, callback requests, OOH for emergency cases and the manning of inbound call traffic which also was significantly higher 3 or 4 times normal rates. Our surge response plan has been activated and staffing resource to support the additional workload is in place to ensure compliance with agreed service levels.
Eastwell (Contractor Management) & Davies Response (Disaster Restoration)
Widespread occurrences of burst pipe claims are being received however some remote villages remain inaccessible so communication is kept with the customer and such locations are then prioritised immediately that roads are re-opened.
We retain the service of over 150 plumbers across the UK and are working closely with all parties involved in the claim process particularly RESPONSE, the Davies Group’s disaster management arm, to ensure a cohesive approach is taken to mitigation and first aid measures. Assistance is also being provided with exposing the building fabric to accelerate drying.
Currently response times are good with options offered to meet adjusting, inspection and/or drying personnel on site within 24 hours of notification to agree logical and practical procedures.
Eastwell’s service centre is currently manned until 8pm Mon-Fri and our ‘out of hours’ capability has been enhanced and opening times extended.
Inspector Field Force
Claim numbers are up circa 30%.
Due to the recent expansion of the Inspector field force however there are no capacity issues and where accessible, all visits are being arranged / offered within SLA’s. |