It's Snow Fun When You Haven't Got Any Home Insurance

LONDON, ENGLAND, December 10, 2010 (Press-News.org) The estimated cost of damage as a result of the flash floods and blizzards that have swept across the UK during November is GBP1.1 million and rising according to Santander Insurance. According to research from the bank the average cost of damage from weather related damage is costing the UK, on average, GBP36,670 a day in claims.

With extreme weather conditions becoming a regular feature of the UK weather pattern Santander Insurance advises people to be ever more prepared for the worst.

Santander Insurance storm, snow and flood advice:
- Keep all insurance and important documents in a water tight container
- Keep a photographic record of all valuables as evidence for insurance claims
- Make sure you have a copy of your insurance hotline telephone number in the event of an emergency
- Keep a torch in an easy accessible place should your power be cut
- Make sure you know where and how to turn off your water and electricity supply in the case of an emergency
- Have your essential phone numbers listed separately to your mobile phone should you not be able to access it
- Inform immediate friends and family that you are safe but may need assistance in the coming days
- Santander's dedicated claims helpline is 0845 602 6040

Colin Greenhill, Director of Santander Insurance said: "Despite the country looking like a winter wonderland, the damage caused by extreme weather conditions is both upsetting and inconvenient.

"The British weather is as unpredictable as it is uncontrollable but we can all ensure that should the worst happen we are correctly insured. We expect more claims to come in over the next couple of weeks and as the snow melts we also expect to see a fair amount of flood damage claims. Santander Insurance aims to make the process of claiming as stress free as possible and has a dedicated claims helpline on 08456 000733."

Santander's Peace of Mind home insurance has been awarded a 5 star rating from independent financial researchers Defaqto for the sixth year in a row and is one of only two providers to have ever achieved this honour.

Key features of the 'Peace of Mind' product include
- Unlimited total sum insured for Buildings and Contents (up to 5 bedrooms) cover
- Unlimited sum insured cover for the cost of temporary accommodation
- No extra charge for paying monthly premiums by Direct Debit
- 24 hour emergency help line
- Cover for the loss of downloaded information and music
- Optional extended Accidental Damage cover, for damage caused in the home accidentally, such as food and drink spillages.

For more information on home insurance from Santander, log on to Santander website, telephone 0800 389 6704 or visit your local Santander branch.

The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.

Notes to Editors
1. Source: Santander claims data

About Us
Banco Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N, BNC.LN) is a retail and commercial bank, based in Spain, with presence in 10 main markets. At the close of June 2010, Santander was the largest bank in the euro zone by market capitalization and, at the end of 2009, fourth in the world by profit. Founded in 1857, Santander had EUR 1,365 billion in managed funds. Santander has more than 90 million customers, 13,671 branches - more than any other international bank - and 170,000 employees. It is the largest financial group in Spain and Latin America, with leading positions in the United Kingdom and Portugal and a broad presence in Europe through its Santander Consumer Finance arm. In the first half of 2010, Santander registered EUR4,445 million in net attributable profit.

In the UK, Santander was formed out of the Abbey, Bradford & Bingley and Alliance & Leicester retail networks. It has over 1300 branches, around 4,500 cash machines and provides a full range of corporate banking and retail services including to 25 million customers.

For more information on Santander bank accounts visit http://products.santander.co.uk.

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