Flood zone UK home insurance

If you live in UK flood zone your home contents and buildings insurance will be more expensive, Flooding damages the structure of the property and the contents within. To repair the damage caused by flood takes a long time because moisture is slow to disappear so prevention is better than cure. For a little investment of time and money, you can install your own small-scale flood defenses. You can also buy freestanding flood barriers which help stop water reaching your property.

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House or home insurance is split into house contents insurance and house buildings insurance

• House contents insurance, Covers the cost of replacing possessions lost or damaged due to unforeseen events (as detailed in the insurance policy)
• House buildings insurance, Pays the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is damaged by unforeseen events (as detailed in the insurance policy)

The Environment Agency provide flood maps on their website which is very useful if you are buying a property but if you think you live in a flood zone the map will also tell you if you are eligible for flood warnings, this will give you time to prepare.

Research shows that older people find it hard to cope with being flooded. Even if you haven’t experienced flooding before you should be prepared. Download a leaflet from the Environment Agency to help you plan ahead and reduce the risk to you and your belongings.

If you know you are at risk of flooding, you can prepare in advance. Many products can be installed in advance, then simply clipped on and off when needed - such as the 'flood board' or air brick cover. You can also get plastic skirts to surround your whole property, or temporary freestanding barriers which can protect a group of properties.

The Environment Agency supports the Kitemark scheme as they have been independently tested and proved fit for purpose. However the Agency does not endorse any individual product or manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure the products are appropriate for their property and correctly fitted. A list of Kitemarked flood defense products are shown at the Environment Agency website.