When high winds blow up a storm
A resident of Manningtree in Essex was at home with her teenage daughter
when a freak gust of wind tore about a third of her roof away from her
house.
Her insurance company has said, however, that her policy only covers
winds which register storm force on the Beaufort scale - or over 55mph,
whereas the wind speed registered that day only achieved a speed of 46
mph (strong gale).
Initially her insurers had asked her to get three quotes for damage
repair, but then refused to pay the charges for either temporary
boarding or for the full replacement.
One of the roofers who quoted, Mick Bates, told the local Gazette
newspaper: "In all my 30 years of roofing experience I have never known
a company not to pay up in these circumstances. I was appalled.
"Her roof was well maintained and because it was close boarded should
have lasted at least 25 years. [It's] a bit like saying we can't honour
your fire claim because the fire was not hot enough!"
March 28th 2008