Sainsbury’s Finance estimates that the insurance industry could receive as many as 3,250 home insurance claims as a result of last week’s earthquake, which reached 5.2 on the Richter Scale. It estimates that collectively these could run into tens of millions of pounds. However, with one in 20 households without buildings insurance, the bank warns that there will be a number of homeowners who will find themselves having to foot significant repair bills themselves.

Neil Laird, Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Manager, commented: “The recent earthquake just shows that you can never tell when exceptional circumstances may occur and you might need to make a claim. Unlimited buildings cover ensures peace of mind that you won’t be left underinsured should the unthinkable happen.”