In November 2021, Storm Arwen swept across the UK with fierce winds, causing widespread damage to both commercial and residential properties. Among those affected was our client’s cliffside property in Scarborough, comprising 17 apartments, which bore a lot of the storm’s fury.
The Incident
The building’s felt roof was ripped off during the storm, leaving most of the apartments exposed to relentless rain. This resulted in severe water damage, forcing every apartment to be stripped back to the bare woodwork and bricks. The danger wasn’t limited to the property itself; police had to cordon off nearby roads as debris from the roof flew off, posing a serious risk to the public.
The storm’s prolonged duration meant scaffolding could not be safely installed, preventing any emergency repairs from taking place. For days, large sections of the roof flapped uncontrollably in the wind, with nails protruding dangerously, further increasing the risk. This constant movement made access extremely difficult for repair crews, thereby delaying progress.
The damage was concentrated mostly on the top floor, where the roof was lost, but water seeped down into all 17 apartments. Each one required work, ranging from full repairs to minor touch-ups. The extent of the damage rendered many apartments uninhabitable.
Supporting Our Client and Residents
In response, McClarrons supported the client in rehousing the affected residents. Initially, those displaced were placed in hotels before being moved to long-term alternative accommodation arranged through the services of a relocation company. This company carefully matched residents with accommodation that closely met their previous lifestyle and requirements, helping to restore some normality during a difficult time. The relocation aspect of the claim alone cost £25,000.
A Lengthy Repair Journey
Repairs to the building took just over two years to complete, only finishing four to five months before the claim was officially closed. Adding to the complexity, the water tank on the roof split during the storm, allowing even more water into the building. Fortunately, since the interiors had already been stripped back, this caused little additional damage.
In total, the claim amounted to £650,000, covering extensive repairs and the rehousing of residents.
The Importance of Alternative Accommodation Cover
This case also demonstrates the benefit of having alternative accommodation cover included within your landlord insurance policy. When damage is severe enough to make properties uninhabitable, rehousing costs can be significant – as seen here, where they reached £25,000. Without this cover, the client would potentially have had to bear these expenses personally, adding even greater financial strain during an already stressful time. Alternative accommodation cover can provide reassurance that, should the worst happen, both property owners and residents can be supported in maintaining safe and suitable living arrangements while repairs are carried out.
Policy Conditions Considerations
Another point to highlight off the back of this claim is the importance of conducting roof inspections at the intervals required under your policy’s terms and conditions, as well as maintaining clear evidence of these checks. The policyholder is generally expected to maintain their property so that it is in good condition, which can help to reduce the likelihood of such catastrophic incidents; that said, in times of particularly ferocious weather, whilst this can help, it is not a given – as we have seen. If damage occurs, we can provide insurers with evidence of conditions being met more readily if you have a method for documenting this, such as inspection reports, contractor invoices, photographs or maintenance records.
In Summary
This case highlights that our commitment to supporting clients through every stage, from damage assessment to rehousing, repairs, and claims management, our support to our clients remains unwavering when you need it most.
To learn more about the support our Claims Team offers and how they work, visit our Claims Team page here.
