Flood Insurance Guide

Flood insurance can help protect your home, belongings or business from the financial impact of flood damage. This guide explains the main points to check before buying or renewing a policy.

What flood insurance may cover

• Buildings cover for damage to the structure of a home.
• Contents cover for belongings, furniture and personal items.
• Alternative accommodation if a home cannot be lived in after a flood.
• Business interruption cover for some commercial policies.
• Repairs, drying, cleaning and replacement of damaged items depending on the policy.

Questions to ask before buying

• Is flood damage included as standard or excluded?
• What is the flood excess?
• Are outbuildings, garages and gardens covered?
• Does the policy include alternative accommodation?
• Are resilience improvements covered after a flood claim?

Flood Re and high-risk areas

Flood Re is a joint government and insurance industry scheme designed to improve the affordability and availability of flood cover for eligible UK household premises at higher flood risk.

If you are struggling to find affordable flood insurance, it may be worth asking insurers or brokers whether Flood Re could apply to your property.

After a flood claim

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
• Take photographs before cleaning up if it is safe.
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs or temporary accommodation.
• Do not use electrical systems until professionally checked.
• Ask whether resilience measures can be included in repairs.