Most blast damage ‘will be covered’, say insurers

Owners of homes and businesses damaged in the Buncefield explosion will be covered, the Association of British Insurers said tonight.

Spokesman Malcolm Tarling said: “As far as home insurance is concerned, damage caused by explosion will be covered. And the same goes for businesses, there are quite a few businesses affected. The standard business policy covers that.”

Some businesses may have taken out denial of access cover, which covers the policyholder for loss of profitability if they cannot get to their business.

“They may also have business interruption cover, which would cover alternative accommodation.”

Some homeowners’ policies might cover smoke damage, he added.

“Most policies have 24 hour emergency helplines, if people ring them, they’ll tell you what to do,” he said.

“And if you’re having broken windows repaired, for example, keep receipts from the glaziers, they will form part of the claim.”

He said businesses might end up making some quite large claims, but declined to speculate on how much the explosion could cost in pay-outs.