GCO (Grupo Catalana Occidente) launches a special device for those affected by the wind and rain in the Balearic Islands.

"The insurance Group, through its companies Seguros Catalana Occidente, Plus Ultra Seguros, Seguros Bilbao and NorteHispana Seguros, has set up a helpline for its customers to resolve any queries they may have relating to the storm"

GCO (Grupo Catalana Occidente) has launched a special device to boost its customer service and support to customers affected by storm "Betty" in the Balearic Islands due to the torrential rain and hurricane-force winds which reached up to 130kph and rainfall causing severe flooding and damage yesterday.

It is considered a loss covered by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros [Insurance Compensation Fund] (CCS), the entity that covers certain extraordinary risks arising from natural or climate phenomena, such as those that ocurred in the Balearic Islands.

The CCS is a public body that is financed by a small amount included in the price of any insurance policy and which is deposited in a guarantee fund destined to cover extraordinary risks among all insured persons in Spain.

Those affected by this type of phenomena can file their insurance claim through the Consortium website: www.consorseguros.es or by calling this company: 900 222 665.

A special telephone support service has also been set up to manage GCO (which will soon be merged under the new brand Occident) customers' queries at the following numbers:

- Seguros Catalana Occidente customers can call us on 932 22 02 12.

- Plus Ultra Seguros customers can call us on 917 83 83 83.

- Seguros Bilbao customers can call us on 946 42 12 41.

- NorteHispana Seguros customers can call us on 935 12 61 11.

We also remind our customers that they can contact their agent or insurance broker who will provide support and guidance on procedures when dealing with this or other weather-related phenomena.

GCO has reinforced its network of insurance appraisers to assess the damage caused by the storm in the Balearic Islands. In addition, in areas that are difficult to access, customers are offered the possibility of carrying out a remote assessment, better known as video appraisal.

Meteorological alerts have been sent to customers in the event of the possibility of this phenomenon occurring over the last few days, in collaboration with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). All of this is intended to protect insured parties and their families, as well as minimise any damage.