Flood Insurance In The United Kingdom
There are over two million privately owned homes in the United Kingdom that are in danger because of flooding damage. These homes, shops and other properties are located in places that receive heavy rainfall, or coastal areas that might get high tides. Weather is a major factor, but homes are also at risk from flooding due to burst pipes or faulty plumbing.
However, possible mechanical failure should not be overlooked as a flooding concern. For example, broken pipes could create extensive flooding damage. Understandably, homeowners near the coastline would expect to be affected by flooding, however it is imperative that all homeowners review their insurance policies to ensure adequate flood protection is in place.
During a recent survey, it was found that the British population was grossly underinsured against flooding. The results of this survey are supported by the 52% of consumers affected by flooding in 2006, only to find that their insurance did not cover flooding. Premiums will vary based on level of risk to flooding in your area. Flood maps, created by the Environmental Agency, are utilized by insurance companies to calculate flooding risk. If an area has a 1 in 75 chance or higher of flooding, it is determined to be a high risk area.
All those home owners, who live in dangerous places which face severe ravage of floods, should adopt such measures which reduce the risk of flooding, on their own. They should procure such items which reduce the risk and even insurance companies may ask them to equip themselves with such items, before processing their applications.
When purchasing insurance of any type, it’s important to do an apples-to-apples comparison of prices, especially if you own a home in a high risk zone. There can be a great variance in premiums and amount of coverage. You can shop for a policy online from the comfort of your home, or you can do research on your own time. You can also visit a specialist insurance broker who will give you quotes for multiple insurance policies to meet your needs. These quotes should include flood damage and will clearly outline what is covered by the policy and what is not.
Some companies use postcodes to assess the risk of your property. They look at your postcode and compare it to the list of areas considered to be high risk zones. This method can misrepresent the risk of your particular property and you may be over paying! Shopping around and comparing policies allows you to find the best coverage at the best premium.