Holidays In The UK - Flooding

The floods at Chertsey affected thousands

Here in Kent we have seen footage of the flooded holiday park, residents homes and shops under metres of water in Yalding and the surrounding areas. In Surrey the Thames has been at its highest level for decades and the Barrier has been used more in the last year than at any time since it was opened in 1982. In Somerset, farms and farmland have been under water for months, and in Cornwall, railway lines have been washed away, obliterated by tide and wind, shingle has been thrown, missile-like into town centres, restaurant windows and high streets by the relentless conditions.

All over the UK people, properties, businesses and schools are affected by the recent storms that have come one after another across the Atlantic to hit our shorelines and islands in a never ending barrage of natural phenomena not seen for centuries. High winds, high tides, high river levels and high insurance claims have led to an unprecedented level of media, political and personal interest in the weather and its affect on our lives.

But what if you have booked a holiday cottage, chalet or caravan in the UK for your summer, Easter or half term holidays? What if the area in which you intended to take your holiday has suffered from the flooding?

The first thing to do is check. Give the company, owner or travel company a call to see if the property you have booked has been affected, you may find that whilst the cottage, caravan or trailer hasn't been physically affected, the surrounding areas are still impassable or difficult to navigate and you may need to make a decision under advice. Give yourself time.

If you have booked through an agency or travel company then they should offer you alternative accommodation, if you have booked with an individual then they should offer alternative dates or a refund of your deposit or payment if the property is not 'fit for purpose'.

The owner is responsible for offering clean, safe accommodation and it should be provided as such. A soggy lawn, a broken fence or a washed out path are not the same as a damp smelling cottage with wet carpets and high tide marks around the inside walls, so there are degrees of problems that may have to be faced.

Remember too that your lack of ability to leave your house due to the flooding of your property or area is not the same as the property you are renting being flooded and you will not be eligible for compensation if that is the case. Also, if the area surrounding your holiday cottage is flooded but the property itself is safe and dry, then that too is a grey area where blame may be difficult to place.

Common sense applies in most cases, but if you experience problems on your arrival then the use of your phone's camera or video facility may come into play to record your dissatisfaction for future reference. Some cottages and parks are rated by holiday companies and agencies and these will not want to see unhappy holidayers posting adverse comments on websites, social media networks or travel rating sites, but give them a call first.

If, after all your calls and conversations you still do not feel you have been adequately compensated then you may have to resort to the small claims court.

Check your Travel Insurance policy too - your deposit may be protected - read the small print.

Or call us at Holsure - we will be happy to advise