Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is supporting thousands of customers around the country who have been hit by Storm Eunice, with over two claims coming in every minute at its busiest point.

The storm, which saw gusts as high as 120mph hit the country, has caused widespread damage to homes, farms and other businesses all across the UK. Damage to power lines resulted in power cuts, trees were pulled from the ground, and buildings were damaged as the winds ripped through the country.

NFU Mutual, which activated its emergency plan last week to prepare for the storm and protect its customers, is progressing thousands of claims from across the UK, with the highest volume of claims reported from the South West and South East of England. The insurer expects the number of claims to continue rising throughout the week, particularly after Storm Franklin hit through the night and into Monday morning.

Local Agents and NFU Mutual regional and national claims teams continue to assist customers with claims, and an online form set-up for those with non-urgent damage saw a submission every 30 seconds at its peak. As part of its emergency response, NFU Mutual has increased resource to continue to provide prompt and supportive service during this period of high demand.

Commenting on the response to Storm Eunice, Paul Branch, Head of Claims at NFU Mutual, said:

“We have already received thousands of claims for damage relating to Storm Eunice, with our busiest period seeing new claims coming in every thirty seconds during peak times. Early indications suggest that Eunice has the potential to be larger than Storm Arwen, which caused widespread damage to farms and the countryside across the North East of England and Scotland and resulted in 7,500 claims to NFU Mutual.

“NFU Mutual plans for events such as these so we can provide the support our customers need when they need it most.

“By activating our emergency response last week, we have been able to take care of our customers notifying claims to us, ensuring their safety and that of their property. In addition, we have been helping with alternative accommodation or emergency payments for vital purchases and settling simpler claims on the spot, as well as, supported by our expert loss adjusters to review damage, ensuring that repairs can begin without delay.

“At times like this, our network of over 295 Agency offices across the UK really comes into its own, using their close links to the local community to help people stay safe, well, and ready to get back to their lives.

“We urge anybody who has suffered damage to contact their insurer if they have not already done so.”

In Wells, where a Church spire was toppled last week by strong winds, Senior NFU Mutual Agent Gemma Heal, who also suffered damage to her own property, said:

“This has been the worst weather event that I have seen in my 21-year career at NFU Mutual and our absolute focus is to be there to support our customers and reassure them.

“Our office alone has received over a hundred claims from homes, farms and other rural businesses and it’s been all hands on deck.

“The storm has been devastating as farms have suffered roofs being ripped off barns and stables, homeowners have had stonework crushed by trees and greenhouses have been shattered.

“People have been incredibly resilient, but these incidents are hugely distressing and we want to do everything we can to help.”