Hundreds of thousands of pounds are expected to be spent by insurance companies on customers whose homes and cars have been damaged.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is advising property owners to arrange for repairs as soon as possible to stop the damage getting worse. So what should you do if your home or car is damaged? Sarah Park finds out how to manage your claim efficiently.

I WAKE to find my car has been damaged by falling tiles, what should I do?

MAKING the area safe is a priority. Make sure nothing else is going to fall and injure anyone or cause more damage.

If the damage presents itself as a danger, then your insurance company should give you priority assistance to get someone out to you.

WHO do I call?

ALL the helpline and emergency numbers you need will be on your insurance policy along with your policy number, which you need to quote.

However, your insurance broker recommends you call them first. They can be a reassuring voice in an emergency and will be able to give you any immediate advice you may need.

Your insurer will also be able to give you advice on what is covered and how to make a claim.

Although most insurance policies cover damage caused by a storm, many exclude gates and fencing.

DO I have to wait for the insurance company to inspect the damage before I can get it fixed?

WITH the storm raging over most of the country, insurance brokers are advising that it will not be a problem to get the work done and then to send your invoice or receipt along with your claim form.

Neil Duckling, a branch sales manager for Budget Insurance, in Darlington, said: "Insurance companies will do their best to get someone out as soon as possible, but you can do the work yourselves with someone you know, as long as you keep the receipt."

WOULD there be any chance that my insurance company would query the work I have had done?

THIS all depends on the size of claim you want to put in, and that is why it is advised you speak to your broker before you start work.

As a rule of thumb, claims larger than £800 would require prior approval, although this varies from insurer to insurer.

IS there a limit to the number of claims I can put in?

NO. If you make a claim on a Friday, then experience more damage on a Sunday, you can put in another claim for the damage.

WITH more bad weather on the way, what should I do?

THE Association of British Insurers (ABI) advises:

* Where possible, move items to upper floors;

* Keep a regular watch on weather bulletins;

* Make sure all important contact telephone numbers - for insurers, local authority and doctor - are kept together.

WHAT should I do in the immediate aftermath?

OTHER advice from the ABI includes:

* Do not use water or electricity supplies until the all-clear has been given;

* Where there has been flooding, disinfect floors and furnishings. Where practical, leave doors, windows and cupboards open;

* If possible, keep rooms heated;

* Do not rush to re-decorate because it may take weeks for the property to fully dry.

HELPFUL NUMBERS

* Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 988 1188

* Environment Agency Incident line: 0800 807060

* Highway Action Line, for road debris: 0191-370 6000

* Met Office: 0870 900 0100

* NEDL, For fallen power cables and electrical problems: 0800 668877

* Transco, for problems with gas pipes: 0800 111999

* For structural damage problems and for sandbags, contact your council.