Find out how the likelihood of flooding in your area affects your home insurance and what to do if you need to supply more information to an insurance company (known as an Insurance Related Request Letter).
Our work with the insurance industry
We assist Government in their work with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to support the insurance industry's commitment to continue to offer flood risk insurance to the vast majority of homes and businesses in flood risk areas.
For instance, to assist insurers to provide flood insurance we make information available to ABI members. This information gives a national assessment of the likelihood of flooding, from rivers and the sea taking into account flood defences, and is accompanied by strict guidance on how insurers can use it. The information is also published on Flood Map so that those at risk of flooding are aware and can take action to reduce their risk.
The information helps provide a first step for insurers in assessing insurance. Insurers use our information alongside their own data and other relevant information customers may provide to make an assessment of whether they can provide insurance cover and under what terms.
The existing agreements between the English and Welsh Governments and the ABI on the provision of flood risk insurance (known as the Statement of Principles) are due to expire in June 2013. The future direction of flood insurance is a matter for the Governments and the ABI to discuss.
Although we do not have a role in determining insurance cover, we do share a common goal with the ABI to improve flood mapping and provide the best available information to the public.
Find out if you're in an area at risk of flooding
Anyone can access the same information that is available to insurance companies by using our Flood Map. The Flood Map allows you to find out what the likelihood of flooding from rivers and the sea is in your local area.
Additional information may also be available through your local Environment Agency office.
What to do if insurers request further information about your property
An Insurance Related Request (IRR) is a letter which some insurance companies ask for to help them consider whether they will renew your housing insurance or give you a new quote.
The standard IRR provides information about:
- whether your property falls within or outside the area at risk of flooding;
- whether there are any defences in the area and the standard of protection that they provide;
- how likely flooding is, taking into account any risk management measure such as flood defence barriers in the area;
- whether there are any future plans for flood risk management measures in the area.
You can request an IRR by emailing our Enquiries Team. Please include the full address of the property and a contact telephone number. And if possible, please provide a map. The team will respond to you within 20 working days.
An IRR is free for the general public. Requests by commercial interests such as a solicitor will incur a £50 charge.
Struggling to get insurance?
If you are finding it difficult to get insurance you could try:
- Talking to one of the brokers who specialise in properties that are difficult to insure. You should be able to find these brokers in the Yellow Pages. You can also find a broker on the British Insurance Brokers' Association website or by calling its broker helpline on 0870 950 1790.
- Contacting the ABI. They can provide you with details of possible insurers.
- Contacting the National Flood Forum (NFF) which may also be able to help. The NFF is an independent, grassroots organisation, which offers support to those affected by flooding. For more information, visit the National Flood Forum website or contact the National Flood Forum on 01299 403055.
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