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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Jacob Rawley

Full list of snow refunds and compensation in Scotland as cold weather continues

Some Scots might be wondering if they are eligible for compensation amid the snowy weather that many parts of the country are facing.

The current cold snap has been causing disruption for many, and in some cases has damaged property and left people without power.

Thousands of homes in the Shetlands lost power on the night of Monday December 12, with works to fully restore supplies still ongoing.

Snow has been falling across several parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh (Ken Jack/Getty Images)

The RAC also reported record levels of road breakdowns across the UK due to the wintery weather, which could last until Thursday according to a Met Office yellow warning.

With that in mind, here are your rights when it comes to disruption caused by the snow, ice and in some parts wind as well.

Power cuts

Snow has been falling across Scotland and certain parts have been hit with power cuts (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

With full restoration only likely by the end of the week in Shetland, some might be wondering whether or not they are entitled to compensation.

According to Ofgem, you can claim £70 if the power was off for 24 hours due to weather.

You can get a further £70 for each additional 12 hours of being off supply, although this is capped at £700. You can make a claim to your supplier under Guaranteed Standards.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks also say that they provide relief to communities, including hot water, food and drink and alternative accommodation if needed.

You may also be able to claim on the Ofcom Automatic Compensation Scheme should your broadband go out as you aren't able to use a service that you are paying for

Car damage

Those with comprehensive coverage may be able to claim on snow damage (AFP via Getty Images)

Unfortunately, Uswitch states that most third party fire and theft policies only cover damage caused by another car.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you may be able to claim on damage caused by the snow due to no fault of your own.

However, it is still important to make sure that you have a strong case, which will benefit from witnesses, photos and proof of expenses.

It is worth mentioning that making a claim could have an impact on your premium rate, even if you have comprehensive insurance.

As there is a weather warning in place, you may find it difficult to make a claim, although this is more common with amber or red warnings rather than the current yellow warning.

Property damage

The same goes for property damage, you will have to check your insurance to see what storm and weather damage cover is included, according to Confused.com.

For the most part, insurance covers major damage such as tiles torn from roofs and walls damaged by falling trees.

Generally snow damage on its own is not enough to allow you to access compensation, but it's worth inquiring with your insurer in case you are eligible for something.

Train delays and cancellations

The ScotRail website states that travellers can receive 50 percent back on the cost of your single ticket or 25 percent back on the cost of your return ticket if a train is delayed between 30 and 59 minutes.

If your train is delayed for over an hour you will receive back the full cost of your single ticket or 50 percent of the cost of your return ticket.

You will receive a full refund for any delays over two hours or cancellations. Repayment options can include PayPal and Cash Vouchers.

They add that under the Consumer Rights Act, you may be able to claim extra compensation if the delay ends up leading to additional costs, such as a taxi. This is handled on a "case-by-case" basis.

To receive any compensation, you will have to make your claim within 28 days of the delay or cancellation.

Flight delays and cancellations

There are laws protecting passengers travelling to the EU should snow cancel their flight (AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), UK to EU flights are covered by law, meaning that you will receive a full refund.

Flight cancellation policies differ between airlines, and for non-EU flights, the CAA website states: "If it wasn’t the airline’s fault, don’t expect to receive any compensation."

Some may still offer an alternative flight, in which case you may be able to make a claim on assistance such as food, drink and international phone calls.

As for delays, airlines will often provide vouchers for you to buy food and drink as well as transport and accommodation if It lasts overnight.

Again, the rate of your financial compensation will depend on how long your delay is and whether or not the airline is at fault.

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