Flood Insurance in the United Kingdom
Safeguarding your property from floods.
Flood insurance can ease the financial strain that comes with flood damage, offering crucial support to homeowners and renters as they rebuild and recover.
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know to protect your property—and your belongings—from flood damage.
TL;DR
- Flood insurance protects your home and belongings from damage caused by natural flooding events—covering structural repairs, personal possessions, and temporary accommodation
- Flood Re, a UK government-backed scheme, helps make this cover more affordable for high-risk properties by capping premiums and excess payments
- Proactive measures like installing flood barriers, raising electrical systems, and maintaining gutters can help minimise flood damage and reduce risks
- Common exclusions include negligence, wear and tear, outdoor property, and damage to vacant homes
What is flood insurance?
Flood cover protects your home and belongings against damage caused by flooding due to natural events including torrential rain and overflowing rivers or lakes.
For properties at greater risk, this cover is an essential safeguard against potentially devastating financial losses. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), claims related to storms and floods are a growing expense, with payouts totaling £585 million in 2024.
Does home insurance cover flooding?
Yes, most home insurance policies include flood cover within standalone buildings or contents insurance policies, or within a home building insurance policy—a combination of both buildings and contents insurance. Here’s what’s covered:
| Building insurance | Contents insurance |
|---|---|
| Structural repairs for walls, floors, and foundations | Damage to furniture, carpets, and electronics |
| The cost of restoring electrical and plumbing systems | Cost of replacing personal belongings such as clothing, books, or jewellery |
| Debris removal and drying out your property | Cover for items stored in outbuildings like sheds or garages |
| Damage to permanent fixtures like built-in kitchens or bathrooms | Cover for appliances you own that are not built-in, such as a free-standing refrigerator |
What’s not covered by flood insurance?
It’s important to read and understand your policy to avoid unwelcome surprises when making a claim. Here are some common exclusions:
- Negligence: If you fail to take reasonable precautions such as ignoring flood warnings or not maintaining your property by cleaning your gutters, your claim could be denied
- Wear and tear: Damage caused by gradual issues like mould or dampness isn’t covered
- Outdoor property: Fences, gates, trees, plants, and patios are frequently excluded from flood cover
- Property left vacant: Policies often won’t cover flood damage if the home was unoccupied for extended periods (usually greater than 30 to 60 days) unless specified
Do I need flood insurance?
Flooding isn’t limited to properties beside rivers or the sea. Anywhere in the UK can be impacted by heavy rains or groundwater. Recent climate data from the National Flood Risk Assessment shows that 6.3 million properties are currently at risk of flooding from rivers, seas, or surface water.
Wondering whether your property has a high risk of flood damage? Use these online tools to help you assess your property’s vulnerability by postcode and review current and historical flood warnings.
Check your flood risk in:
How much does flood insurance cost?
The cost depends on factors like the location of your property, your proximity to water sources, the flood history of your property, and any measures you’ve taken to reduce flood risks. At Lemonade, contents insurance policies start at just £4 per month, and home building insurance policies start at £14 per month, covering flood damage—and so much more.
Homes in high flood-risk areas might naturally face higher premiums. Yet, initiatives like Flood Re strive to ensure that insurance remains affordable, even for those living in high-risk flood areas.
What is Flood Re?
Flood Re is a reinsurance scheme introduced by the UK government and supported by insurance companies to make flood cover more accessible. If your home is eligible, Flood Re limits premium hikes and caps excess payments for flood claims (currently set at £250).
Check your eligibility here.
How can I prevent flood damage?
Insurance offers crucial financial protection, and while you can’t control when heavy rain might flood your property, you can take proactive steps to minimize flood damage. Here’s how to better protect your property:
- Install flood barriers: Fit door barriers, gates, and air brick covers that act as physical barriers against rising water
- Raise electrical sockets and boilers: Position these at least 1.5m above floor level to prevent costly repairs
- Use waterproof materials: Opt for ceramic tiles on the ground-floor, rather than carpets, and use waterproof plaster on the walls
- Safeguard valuables: Keep valuable items or important documents upstairs or in watertight containers
- Maintain gutters and drains: Regular cleaning prevents water blockages during heavy rainfall
- Non-return valves: Install these on drains and pipes to stop water backing up into your home
What should I do if I’ve suffered flood damage?
If the worst occurs, follow these steps to handle the aftermath of a flood and maximise your insurance claim:
- Contact your insurer immediately: Inform your insurer about the damage without delay. Check if your policy includes emergency repairs
- Document the damage: Take photos or videos that provide clear evidence of all damage to support your claim
- Keep receipts and records: For any repairs made before the surveyors arrive, save receipts to request reimbursements
- Don’t remove items: Leave damaged items where they are until instructed; these may need assessing for compensation
- Seek alternative accommodation: If your home becomes uninhabitable, your insurance cover might pay for temporary accommodation. Confirm this detail with your provider
- Prepare for repairs: Your insurer may appoint surveyors or loss adjusters to oversee the drying process or repairs
For ongoing support, The National Flood Forum offers practical guidance and advocacy for those affected by flooding.
How flood insurance supports a safer future
Flood insurance is more than a financial safety net; it’s peace of mind in a world of unpredictable weather. Whether you reside along the coast, near a river, or even higher-up regions in England, Wales, or Scotland, it’s always better to be prepared than to face the devastating financial impacts of flooding without protection.
Explore how Lemonade can protect your home from floods today.
FAQs
Do tenants need flood insurance?
Tenants should consider contents insurance with flood cover to protect their belongings from water damage. This ensures they can replace personal items like furniture, electronics, and clothing after a flood.
However, tenants are not responsible for insuring the building’s structure; this is the landlord’s obligation.
How do insurers define floods?
When insurers talk about floods, they’re usually referring to water from natural sources like heavy rain, overflowing rivers, or the sea spilling onto dry land.
Is water damage from a burst pipe considered a flood?
No, water from a burst pipe is not classified as a flood. Insurers typically refer to this as an ‘escape of water’ and it falls under a different section of your home insurance policy.
Can I get flood insurance if my property has previously been flooded?
Yes, you can still get this cover even if your property has a history of flooding. However, premiums may be higher, and some insurers could impose conditions on cover.
Flood Re may help make insurance more affordable for eligible properties with a history of flooding.
Does flood insurance cover vehicles?
No, flood insurance for properties doesn’t cover flood damage to vehicles—you’ll need comprehensive car insurance. It’s worth checking with your auto insurer to make sure that flood cover is included.
What is groundwater flooding?
Groundwater flooding happens when the water table rises above the surface, usually after long periods of heavy rain. This can lead to water sneaking into basements, foundations, and other low-lying spots. It’s more common in areas with permeable soil and can stick around for a while since groundwater drains fairly slowly.
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