WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020Direct Line to lose £36m to
storms and coronavirus
A car submerged in Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, following flooding caused by Ciara (AFP)
HOLLY WILLIAMS
Insurer Direct Line Group has said the UK’s recent winter storms are set to cost it at least £35m, while it
revealed a £1m bill so far for coronavirus travel claims.
The Churchill and Green Flag owner said the outbreak of the virus – known as Covid-19 – could have an
impact on its travel business results this year, while the disruption in equity markets could knock its
investments and affect the speed of claims payouts.
Direct Line said: “Like all businesses, we are subject to the consequences of disruption to financial markets
and global supply chains which, over time, could impact the performance of our investments and the cost