Prepare for flooding
Get insurance
If you’re a homeowner, you can:
- get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum or MoneyHelper
- find lower-cost home insurance through Flood Re if you’re in a flood-risk area
- find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure
If your home has been flooded and your insurer is part of Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme, you could get up to £10,000 to protect your home from future flood damage as part of your flood damage repairs. If your insurer is part of the scheme, ask them if you’re eligible when you make a claim.
If you’re renting
Ask your landlord what insurance they have as it may not cover your personal items.
If their insurance does not cover your personal items, you can get contents insurance.
Read the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ ‘How to rent’ guide for more information about flooding and insurance.
Businesses
You can get:
- buildings insurance - to cover flood damage to buildings
- contents insurance - to cover damage to items, for example stock
- business interruption insurance - to cover running costs or losses, for example salaries or loss of profit
Get advice from the National Flood Forum on insurance for small businesses.
Get evidence of flood risk
Contact the Environment Agency if your insurer asks for evidence of your flood risk.
Environment Agency
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
You’ll get a letter within 20 days. It’s free for individuals and businesses.
If you’ve done work on your property
You or a surveyor can complete a Flood Risk Report. This will tell insurers or buyers how the work has reduced the flood risk.