Flood Risk Home Insurance (UK)

Floods can be devastating and cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to your home. As many as 5.2 million UK properties - 1 in 6 - are at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency.

The good news is that, should the worst happen, many home insurance policies will cover you against flood damage. This is due to an agreement between the UK Government and the insurance sector, named 'Flood Re.'

At Echo Finance, our team of insurance experts can help you to find the right home insurance policy that covers flood damage, at a competitive price. With our in-depth knowledge of the market, we are able to compare hundreds of policies from different insurers and secure the best deal for you.

Get started now by calling 0800 0934 914 or complete our online form and one of our advisors will be in touch.

About Flood RE

Under Flood Re, as long as your property is eligible, property owners in the UK can purchase affordable home insurance that covers flood damage. This is regardless of their area's flooding risk history and whether or not they already have existing flood damage on their property.

If you live in a high-risk flood area, not all insurers will offer cover, but you should still be able to find affordable flood insurance.

To be eligible, your home must:

• Have a Council Tax band between A - H
• Be a residential property
• Be lived in by the policyholder, their immediate family or be unoccupied
• Have been constructed prior to January 2009
• Be in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

What is flood insurance?

For homeowners qualifying for the government-backed scheme Flood Re cover, you do not generally need flood insurance as most buildings insurance policies cover the rebuild of your house if it’s damaged by flooding. Your contents insurance may also cover items damaged by flooding.

However, if you live in a high flood-risk zone, you may want to consider flood cover to protect you against:

• a canal or river bursting its banks
• seawater flooding caused by storms and/or high tides
• surface water or rapid groundwater flooding resulting from heavy rainfall or burst pipes

If you have any queries regarding flood cover, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly advisors. We are always happy to answer your questions and help find the best policy for you

Call us now on 0800 0934 914 or complete our online form and we will be in touch.

What does flood insurance cover?

Depending on the policy, flood risk insurance covers the cost of:

• The repair and restoration of the property and internal fixtures
• Any damage to furniture and personal belongings
• Alternative accommodation costs, if needed
• Solicitor, architect and surveyor fees

If you're living in a flood-prone area, it's important to make sure you are adequately protected against floods. Before buying a home insurance policy, check the level of protection offered and what is excluded from any particular policy so that you know exactly how much coverage you can expect if the worst does happen.

You should also look for policies with good customer reviews and excellent levels of customer service - this way you'll be able to get help quickly should something out of the ordinary occur. Additionally, take into account additional features such as accidental damage or loss of key covers which may not be included in standard policies but could offer further peace of mind if needed.

Common flood cover exclusions

As with all insurance policies, there are exclusions to be aware of. It's important to read your policy document carefully to find out exactly what you are covered for and where the exceptions lie.

Common exclusions include

Replacement of all damaged items

You may find your policy does not include 'new for old' cover, meaning you may only be entitled to the cost of repairing or replacing items at their current market value before the damage occurred.

Damage due to a burst pipe

Many policies do not cover water damage from a burst pipe as this is considered to be an 'escape of water' rather than flooding.

Accommodation and alternative living costs

Your policy may include a minimal amount of cover for alternative accommodation, so be sure to consider the amount of time your home may be uninhabitable in the event of a flood, and factor this into your policy. It's important to keep in mind that each insurer may have its own limits on what is and isn't covered, so it makes sense to shop around and compare quotes before committing to a policy.

Can I get insurance if I live in a high flood-risk area?

Yes, even if you live in an area with high flood risk you can still get insurance. Working with a specialist broker, such as Echo Finance, can help you find the right policy that offers sufficient cover.

Our team of experienced advisors will take into account factors such as flood risk level, climate change predictions and previous claims to ensure you have the right level of cover. They’ll also be able to advise on any specific exclusions or requirements for your particular policy.

Call us now on 0800 0934 914 or complete our online form and we will be in touch. We look forward to helping you get the best insurance for your needs.

I'm a tenant, do I need flood insurance?

If you're living in a rented property, is the landlord's responsibility to organise buildings insurance flood cover, but it's important to be aware that this may not include your own personal belongings.

So, if you live in a flood-risk area, the best way to protect yourself from financial loss is to take out contents insurance to cover any damage or loss of items due to flooding or other unpredictable disasters.

Does the risk of surface water flooding affect insurance?

Surface water flooding is becoming increasingly common due to increased rainfall caused by climate change. It can cause significant damage, but unfortunately, it's not always covered in standard home insurance policies.

If you live in an area prone to surface water flooding, you may want to switch to an insurance provider that covers both surface water flooding and any other potential risks.

The key message here is that it's important to take the time to find the right flood insurance policy that suits your individual needs and offers the best level of protection.

How much does flood insurance cost?

The cost of flood insurance will vary depending on the level of cover you need and the risk of flooding in your area. It's important to remember that while a cheaper policy may seem attractive at first, if it doesn't provide adequate protection, it could prove expensive down the line.

It's important to shop around for a policy that meets your needs and budget best. Some insurers may require additional information or paperwork before offering flood protection, such as information on the construction of your home, and any previous flooding incidents.

The Flood Re scheme, introduced in April 2016, provides a more affordable insurance option for those at higher risk of floods. It works by spreading the cost of flood damage across all insurers, so that premiums are lower and more people can access protection within their budget.

If you want to find out more about Flood Re insurance, or if you're looking for help finding the right insurance policy for your property, speak to the team at Echo Finance today. They'll be able to provide tailored advice and support on getting the best cover for you.

We look forward to helping you protect your home from flooding. Call us on 0800 0934 914 or complete our online form now.