The cost of damage caused by the floods this winter has been estimated at £1.3bn by the Association of British Insurers (ABI)

This is the total value of claims expected in the aftermath of storms Desmond, Eva and Frank for damage to homes, businesses and vehicles. More than 3,000 families are now in alternative accommodation. Homes and business have made almost 15,000 claims as a consequence of the three storms, according to the ABI.

Huw Evans, the ABI's director general, said: "The £1.3bn is our estimate of the total cost, but clearly these numbers could change as future claims are made but this is broadly what we expect the cost to be for the damage caused by the storms of the last month".

The average insurance claim for damage is £50,000, well above the average of £31,000 for the storms of winter 2013-14, but the overall bill is expected to be well below the £3bn total for the storm damage caused in 2007.