Buildings Insurance and the Threat of Floods

What is the impact of increased flooding risk in thetaxpayer investment in flood defence.
UK? What happens if your home becomes effectedThe general rule amongst house insurance companies
by floods?is that if a building suffers flood, the present insurer will
Flood is an increased problem in the UK. Buildingscontinue to cover it at renewal of the policy. However
insurance companies are concerned about the risingyou will be unable to switch insurer at this stage. Whilst
risk of flood. Claims to settle flooded properties are bythis may mean you are stuck with a limited choice of
nature quite expensive. Flood also tends to be ainsurers willing to cover the property, at least you are
recurring threat at properties which means that onceoffered protection.
effected a home could suffer more than one flood in aIf you move into a property that is liable to flooding, you
short period of time.should investigate who previously insured the home.
This makes accepting flood risk properties difficult forthis might be your only chance of getting proper
UK insurance companies as there is almost anbuildings cover for the property.
inevitability that the property will once again face floodThere are some flood specialists on the market who
damage. In recent years, flooding has become anmay be able to offer cover.
even higher risk for UK insurers and there is anYourhomeinsurance.co.uk, a site dedicated to house
ongoing debate between insurer representative bodiesinsurance in the UK does not accept flood risk
and the government regarding the level of coverproperties.
available to flood risk properties and the amount of