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AGRICAL’S IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO WEATHER SURGE
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The New Year has arrived with a blast of unprecedented weather conditions across the whole of the UK, in what is being reported as the coldest winter for more than 30 years. The MET Office recorded winter’s coldest day yet, with the lowest temperature recorded in the Scottish Highland village of Altnaharra at -22.3C. Temperatures are already on a par with arctic conditions and further heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures are forecast to continue.
Whilst many school children are likely to be enjoying closed schools and snow days, for most, the continuing severe conditions are a cause of considerable interference and concern. Beyond the widespread problems being encountered with travel and disruption of work and services, Agrical is experiencing an influx of weather related insurance claims, from our instructing Principals, affecting individuals and businesses across the country. Specifically, incidents of burst pipes following the freezing weather and large numbers of claims for damage from weight of snow.
Scotland has seen some of the worst conditions and Agrical’s Adjusters in the north have been battling against the elements to visit policyholders and service their claims. Despite the continuing snow and ice, and problems with travel and access, our Adjusters have conducted visits throughout the week and will continue over the weekend: albeit with the help of the policyholders concerned. We have stories of our Adjusters being collected by policyholders with 4x4 vehicles from main roads and transported to their premises; farmers helping to shovel snow and provide a friendly push to our Adjusters cars; and a claim attended in Scottish Borders where our Adjuster reports that the arctic temperatures of -18C actually froze the ink in his pen!
The weather conditions have resulted in some devastating effects, with several losses now reserved at over £100,000. One of the risks we visited had 2’6” of snowfall which led to the catastrophic collapse of the roof to a large produce barn, pushing out the walls to the building under the impact. With the roads being blocked, a crane has been unable to get to the site to lift the roof which, in temperatures of -15C, has resulted in loss of the produce contents as well. Taking into account all elements, the loss will run to several hundred thousand pounds.
Agrical will continue its efforts to reach policyholders, to assist with insurance claims and offer advice under these adverse conditions.
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