Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters that UK homeowners and tenants can face. From ruined furniture and electricals to structural damage and temporary displacement, the aftermath of a flood can be emotionally and financially overwhelming.
If you live in a flood-prone area — or even if you don’t — having the right flood insurance in place is essential for protecting your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll explain what flood insurance is, how it works, who needs it, and how to ensure you’re properly covered.
What is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance provides financial protection against damage caused by flooding. While most standard home insurance policies do include flood cover, the level of protection can vary significantly, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
Flood insurance typically forms part of:
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Buildings insurance – to cover the structure of your home
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Contents insurance – to cover belongings such as furniture, clothing, and electronics
Some insurers also offer separate or enhanced flood cover through government-backed schemes like Flood Re, specifically designed for homes at higher risk of flooding.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance generally covers damage caused by water entering your property due to:
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River or coastal flooding
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Flash flooding from heavy rainfall
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Surface water run-off
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Burst river banks or drainage systems
Depending on the policy, flood insurance may help cover:
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Repairs to your building’s structure, floors, and walls
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Drying out and cleaning services
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Replacement or repair of damaged belongings
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Temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable
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Damage to outbuildings and garages
Do I Need Flood Insurance?
If you live in a high-risk flood area, flood insurance is strongly recommended — and often required by mortgage lenders. Even if you’ve never experienced flooding before, changing weather patterns in the UK mean no property is completely risk-free.
You should especially consider flood insurance if:
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You live near a river, stream, canal, or coastline
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Your home is in a low-lying area
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You’ve been affected by floods before
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Your property is in a high-risk postcode according to the Environment Agency flood map
How to Check Your Flood Risk
You can assess your property’s flood risk for free using the official government services:
These services give detailed information about surface water, river, sea, and groundwater flood risks in your area.
What is Flood Re?
Flood Re is a joint initiative between the UK government and insurers, launched in 2016 to make flood insurance affordable and available for homeowners living in high-risk areas.
If your home is eligible, your insurer can place the flood risk part of your policy with Flood Re, which allows you to:
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Get affordable flood insurance
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Receive the same cover as someone in a lower-risk area
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Still claim through your insurer as usual
Not all homes qualify — for instance, properties built after 2009 and commercial properties are excluded — but for many UK homeowners, it’s a lifeline.
What’s Not Covered?
While flood insurance is comprehensive, there are some exclusions to be aware of:
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General wear and tear or poor maintenance
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Damage due to damp or condensation not caused by flooding
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Damage to fences, gates, and certain garden items (varies by policy)
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Items not declared or properly listed on the policy
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Business equipment or vehicles stored in the home (unless added)
Always read your policy wording carefully to understand what’s included and excluded.
Tips for Protecting Your Home Against Flooding
Even with insurance, preventing flood damage is always the best outcome. Consider the following:
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Install flood barriers and airbrick covers
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Keep valuable documents and electronics upstairs or at height
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Use water-resistant materials for flooring and skirting
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Seal gaps around windows and doors
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Sign up for flood alerts from the Environment Agency
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Consider a sump pump or drainage improvements if your area is prone to water build-up
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
The cost of flood insurance depends on:
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Your property’s location and risk level
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The rebuild value of your home
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The value of your contents
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Previous flood claims
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Whether your policy is supported by Flood Re
While premiums can be higher in flood-prone areas, the cost of not being insured can be far worse. In serious cases, flood damage repair costs can reach tens of thousands of pounds.
Final Thoughts
Floods can strike quickly and without warning. Even one inch of water in your home can cause serious and costly damage. Having the right flood insurance in place ensures you’re financially protected and supported during a stressful time.
Whether your property is in a known flood zone or simply at risk from heavy rainfall, don’t leave it to chance. Check your cover, assess your flood risk, and protect your home before the water rises.
Get Flood Insurance That Works for You
Looking for reliable flood insurance, even in high-risk areas?
We make it simple to find flexible cover that protects your home, contents, and financial future.
👉 [Get a Flood Insurance Quote Today]
✅ Tailored for UK homeowners and tenants
✅ Access to Flood Re-backed policies
✅ Fast, UK-based support when you need it most
Prepare today, protect tomorrow.
