By Clare Yates
7 min read
Knowing what is and isn’t covered – and understanding how flooding differs from other types of water damage – can help you avoid any nasty surprises if the worst happens.
Flooding is becoming a more frequent and costly issue for UK homeowners, especially as extreme weather becomes more common. According to the government initiative Flood Re, hundreds of thousands of homes across the UK could be harder to insure because they’re at high risk of flooding.
Whether you live near a river, on the coast, or in an area that's experienced flash floods before, knowing how your home insurance responds to flooding can give you a bit of peace of mind.
While standard buildings insurance and contents insurance policies typically include flood cover, it’s still important to double-check what’s included. This is especially true if you live in a high-risk flood area.
What counts as flooding?
Flooding generally refers to water entering your home from outside sources, like rivers bursting their banks, heavy rain overwhelming drainage systems, or rising groundwater. It can cause significant damage to your building’s structure, flooring, walls and personal possessions.
Some key examples of flood events include:
River or coastal flooding: When a nearby water source overflows and floods your property.
Surface water flooding: When heavy rainfall can't drain away fast enough.
Sewer flooding: When sewers overflow and flood your home (unpleasant, but it does happen).
Groundwater flooding: When water levels beneath the ground rise and seep into basements or foundations.
What flood damage can I claim for?
If your buildings and contents policies include flood cover (which most do, unless your home is considered very high-risk), you can usually claim for:
Structural damage: Repairs to walls, floors and foundations.
Drying and restoration: Costs to make your home safe and habitable again, including fixtures and fittings.
Replacement of belongings: Furniture, appliances, clothes and anything else damaged by the flood (if you have contents cover).
Outbuildings: These may be covered too, such as garages, sheds, summer houses and gazebos.
Temporary accommodation: If your home is uninhabitable, some policies will help with alternative living costs.
Insurers may also provide flood cover that includes clearing debris after a flood, as part of their standards buildings insurance. Terms vary between lenders though, so be sure to check your policy details for confirmation.
Remember, having a combined buildings and contents insurance policy means you're covered for damage to both your property and your belongings if a flood hits. If you only have buildings insurance, the structure of your home is protected – but replacing things like furniture, appliances or personal items could leave you seriously out of pocket.
What isn’t usually covered?
While flood cover can be quite comprehensive, there are still a few things you might not be able to claim for. For example, gates, fences and outside walls might not be included unless your policy specifies them. Also, you may not be covered for loss or damage caused by sinks and baths overflowing as a result of the taps being left on (unless you have accidental damage cover in place).
If your home has a history of frequent flooding or is in a known flood zone, be aware that some insurers may charge more, limit cover, or even exclude flooding altogether. However, that’s where specialist insurers come in. By taking a few minutes to compare providers, you’ll be able to find the right insurer and coverage for your property.
What’s the difference between ‘flooding’ and ‘escape of water’?
If water is pouring through your house, your first thought might well be “the house is flooded”. But whether or not you have been a victim of flooding depends on the source of water. Insurers treat flooding and escape of water very differently:
Flooding is when water comes from outside your home into it, such as from a river, storm or overwhelmed drains.
Escape of water means leaks or bursts inside your home, for example, a leaking washing machine, a burst pipe, or a faulty boiler.
While both can cause serious damage, escape of water is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims, with the Association of British Insurers reporting that insurers pay out £1.8million for it every single day. As a result, insurers often have specific limits or conditions relating to escape of water. For instance, escape of water caused by faulty, failed or inadequate grout or sealant may not be covered by your policy.
What if I live in a high-risk flood area?
If your home has flooded before or is located in a known flood zone, it can be harder (and more expensive) to get cover. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Thanks to the Flood Re scheme, most UK insurers can offer affordable flood insurance even to high-risk properties – though it only applies to homes built before 2009.
Specialist insurers are also available if you’ve been declined cover or need something more tailored. That’s why it pays to compare providers, because while one might turn you down, another could offer the cover you need at a fair price.
What is Flood Re?
If you live in a high flood-risk area and struggle to get affordable home insurance, Flood Re might be able to help. It’s a government-backed scheme that works with insurers to make flood cover more available and affordable for eligible homes – especially those that have flooded before.
You still buy insurance in the usual way, but if your home qualifies, your insurer can pass on the flood risk to Flood Re to help keep premiums and excesses down. Not all homes are eligible (for example, it must be a residential property built before 2009), but it’s worth checking. You can find full details at floodre.co.uk
What should I tell my insurer?
When you apply for home insurance, it’s important to give full and honest details about your property. This includes:
Whether the property has ever flooded before.
If you live in a high-risk flood area (insurers can often check this too).
Whether you’ve made any flood resistance improvements (like raised electrics or flood doors).
If you’ve had to make a previous claim due to water damage.
Whether you live near rivers, lakes or the sea.
It’s also worth noting that if you fail to mention previous flood history or misrepresent your circumstances, you risk invalidating your policy.
Top tips for getting cheaper flood insurance
Getting flood cover doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few ways to potentially lower your premium:
Install flood defences: Things like air brick covers, flood doors or raised plug sockets might help bring the cost down.
Pay annually: Paying for the year upfront can often be cheaper than monthly payments.
Increase your excess: Voluntarily upping your excess might reduce your premium – just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.
Build your no-claims history: Staying claim-free for a few years can earn you discounts with some insurers.
Compare quotes: Some providers are more flood-friendly than others, so shopping around can really pay off.
Staying protected against flooding
Flooding can be unpredictable and incredibly damaging, but having the right home insurance in place can make recovery a lot less stressful. Whether you live in a high-risk area or just want peace of mind, it’s worth taking the time to understand what’s covered and compare quotes from different insurers.
That way, you can find a policy that truly suits your needs, and feel confident your home is protected, whatever the weather throws your way.