Home Insurance

We understand that insurance can be expensive and difficult to secure in areas at risk of flooding. While this can feel frustrating, there are a number of considerations that may help when looking for suitable household insurance.

Getting flood insurance: guidance and practical tips

Many homeowners and tenants at risk of flooding find it difficult to obtain affordable household insurance. While this can feel frustrating and stressful, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of finding suitable cover and avoiding problems later.

The guidance below brings together practical actions and important things to check when taking out a policy.

Ways to improve your chances of getting flood insurance

Start your search early

Don't wait until your current policy is about to expire. Starting early gives you time to compare insurers, explore alternatives, and seek advice if you encounter difficulties.

Shop around and compare insurers - call insurers directly

Different insurers assess flood risk in different ways. Premiums, policy terms, excesses, and levels of cover can vary significantly, so it is worth comparing multiple options.

Be honest about flood history

Always disclose previous flooding or flood risk when asked. This includes flooding to your property, nearby flooding, or relevant local features such as watercourses or ditches. Failing to provide accurate information could invalidate your policy and prevent you from making a claim.

Check the flood excess carefully

Policies in flood‑risk areas often have much higher excesses for flood claims. Make sure the excess is affordable should you need to make a claim, not just when paying the premium.

Ask about Flood Re

Many residential properties may be eligible for Flood Re, a government‑supported scheme designed to make flood insurance more affordable for households at risk.Not all insurers participate automatically, so it is important to ask.

Provide evidence of resilience measures

If you have installed flood protection or resilience measures—such as flood doors, air‑brick covers, sump pumps, or raised electrics—inform insurers and keep evidence. This information may support your application.

Consider specialist brokers

Insurance brokers who specialise in non‑standard or high‑risk properties may have access to insurers not available through price comparison websites.

Seek independent support

If you are struggling to find suitable cover, we can offer independent advice and guidance to help you understand your options and next steps email us: helpline@floodforum.org.uk

Important tips when taking out an insurance policy

Read the policy carefully

Always read the full policy wording before purchasing. Make sure it provides the cover you need and check for exclusions or conditions related to flooding. Remember, the cheapest policy may not offer the best protection.

Value your property and contents accurately

Take care when valuing your building and contents. While over‑insurance can increase premiums unnecessarily, under‑insurance may result in only part of a claim being paid.

Keep evidence

Keep receipts for major purchases such as furniture and electrical goods. Photographs of rooms and their contents can also be extremely helpful if you need to make a claim in the future.

For support with navigating insurance our helpline is: 01299 403 055