With a risk that flooding may persist over coming days, residential and commercial property dwellers have been advised by the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) to take "sensible precautions to prevent further damage to their property".
This, they advised yesterday, should be done without risking injury to themselves, such as when moving items to an upper storey.
The IIF has said:
• Buildings and contents insurance will usually cover damage caused by flooding;
• Damage to cars is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies;
• Insurers will usually pay for the cost of temporary repairs, so keep receipts;
• Insurers will also usually pay for the cost of alternative accommodation (up to stated limits), if the home becomes uninhabitable;
• Householders should check the full extent of their policies and contact their insurer or broker as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that small companies have had a significant loss of business as a result of the wet conditions and flooding.
According to a Small Firms' Association survey, companies reported severe difficulties, with many workers delayed for up to three hours.
Distribution companies are most affected, with conditions making deliveries impossible in some areas, particularly in Meath, parts of Kildare and north Dublin.