Majority of callers have reported damaged roofs, trees falling down and boundary walls being knocked down

Aviva drafted in extra staff over the weekend and today to deal with customers in the UK affected by the storm.

The insurer is also sending its claims teams to visit homes and assess the damage that has been caused.

The majority of calls are coming from the South-West and South-East, which are reported to have been the most affected by St Jude’s storm, with wind speeds of up to 80mph.

The most common types of storm claims range from damaged roofs and trees falling down to damage to buildings and boundary walls being knocked down.

Aviva’s director of claims Rob Townend said: “Our claims teams are already on the ground in the affected areas and will start visiting customers’ homes where needed, and assessing the damage first-hand.

“The high winds have caused significant damage to property, which will be a new and difficult experience for many people. So we know it is important to explain to people how it all works, what they can expect and what it means for their home and their family.”