Home / Disasters and Accidents / Cornwall Woman Fights Insurer After Storm Damage
Cornwall Woman Fights Insurer After Storm Damage
13 Jan
Summary
- Resident's insurance company denied claim without proof of damage to outbuildings.
- Fifty large trees were uprooted, blocking access to the property.
- The 79-year-old campaigner seeks government assistance for storm-related losses.
An elderly resident in Cornwall is calling for financial assistance after Storm Goretti caused significant damage to her property. Jill Harsant, 79, reported that approximately 50 large leylandii trees were uprooted on her land, blocking access and potentially damaging outbuildings. Her insurance provider, Howden Insurance, has stated that a claim cannot be processed until the extent of damage to structures, currently hidden by debris, is verified.
Mrs. Harsant expressed her inability to afford the extensive clearing costs, estimating them to be in the thousands. She is unable to get a clear assessment of the damage due to fallen trees obstructing much of her smallholding. The situation has led her to criticize insurance companies for not covering 'acts of God,' leaving those affected to manage independently or incur debt.
Despite her age, Mrs. Harsant is resolute in her campaign, seeking government intervention to address the lack of financial support for storm victims. She believes such events are not the fault of individuals and that aid should be provided. The BBC has approached Howden Insurance for a response to her situation.
