With weather warnings in place for heavy rain across parts of the UK, the ABI is reassuring people that insurers are on hand to support customers if they suffer food damage.
Signing up to flood alerts can help keep you prepared if flooding is expected. If you get a warning that there is a risk of flooding in your area, you should:
- Assemble a flood kit containing your mobile phone and chargers, contact telephone numbers, any current medication, torch, battery, radio, insurance policy details, rubber gloves, wet wipes, hand cleaning gel, first aid kit and bottled water.
- Move valuable, sentimental or essential items upstairs or to a high place and, if it is safe to do so, consider moving your car to an area less likely to flood.
- Keep your pets safe and away from any flooding.
- Fit any property level resilience measures where possible such as flood gates or air brick covers.
If your property suffers any damage because of flooding, rest assured that this is what your insurance is there for. You should:
- Contact you insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible. They can also make emergency payments if necessary.
- If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first.
- If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.
- Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will be able to advise.
- If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out your insurer will arrange for, and pay the cost of, any alternative temporary accommodation you may need in line with your policy.
- If your home is flooded, ask your insurer if you are eligible for Build Back Better which can help to make your home more resilient to future flooding.
Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock in line with your policy. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary.
With warnings in place for heavy rain and possible flooding across parts of the UK, people will understandably be concerned about the disruption and damage it could bring. Insurers are prepared for severe weather and will be on hand to support customers throughout the claims process. If your property or vehicle is affected, contact your insurer as soon as possible for advice and support.
Mark Shepherd
Assistant Director, Head of General Insurance at the ABI
The ABI has recently updated its Responding to Floods guide, which offers clear, practical support and explains how insurers can help every step of the way - from the moment flooding hits to restoring and strengthening homes for the future.
For more information, please contact the Press Office.
Get flood warnings by text, phone or email - GOV.UK
Sign up to get flood warnings for your home or business in England, Scotland or Wales, sign in to your flood warnings account, and find out how to check flood risk in Northern Ireland.
About us
The ABI is the definitive voice of the UK’s world-leading insurance and long-term savings industry, which is the largest sector in Europe and the third largest in the world.
We represent more than 300 firms within our membership including most household names and specialist providers, providing peace of mind to customers across the UK.
Our sector is productive, inclusive and essential to the UK economy and together, we are driving change to protect and build a thriving society.
Find out more at abi.org.uk