As the UK marks Flood Action Week (13 – 19 October), the ABI has
published its updated floods guide, outlining insurers' support
at every stage of recovery process to give people the confidence
and clarity they need when confronting the aftermath of flooding.
The guide also explains how homes could be made more flood
resilient whilst being repaired through the Build Back Better
scheme.
Responding to Floods is a practical guide designed to support
individuals and families affected by flooding. It outlines the
immediate actions needed to stay safe and begin the clean-up
process, provides clear advice on navigating insurance claims
with confidence, and offers guidance on working with loss
adjusters and contractors throughout the repair journey.
Flooding remains one of the most destructive natural disasters in
the UK, affecting thousands of homes and businesses each year. In
the first half of this year alone, claims for weather-related
damage to people's homes and possessions reached £424
million.
The Environment Agency
estimates that 6.3 million properties in England lie in areas at
risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water. However,
awareness remains low as ABI research shows that
one in four homeowners are unaware if their home is at risk of
flood damage.
The Responding to Floods guide delivers straightforward insurance
advice and breaks down the recovery process into six key
steps:
-
Start your claim. Contact your insurer to
begin the process and access available support.
-
Assess damage & arrange accommodation. A
loss adjustor will evaluate your home and, depending on your
cover, help secure temporary housing if needed.
-
Clean-up begins. A loss adjuster will
organise professional cleaning and strip-out. This may
include an offer of Build Back Better up to a limit of
£10,000 to make a home more resilient, and may include raised
electrical sockets, water resistant plaster and flood doors.
-
Drying your home. A specialist company will
disinfect and dry the property.
-
Repair & rebuild. Your insurer will
appoint a builder or offer a cash settlement for
repairs.
-
Return home. Your insurer will support your
move back once your home is safe and restored.
The guide includes forward-looking advice on how to build
resilience and reduce future flood risk - such as speaking to
your insurer about the Build Back Better
scheme. This initiative helps eligible households fund
flood-resilient upgrades, including water-resistant plaster and
flooring, raised electrical sockets, and flood-resilient
kitchens, making homes better prepared should flooding happen
again.
Louise Clark, Manager of General Insurance Policy at the
ABI, said: “Flooding can turn lives upside down in a
matter of hours, leaving people facing the daunting task of
rebuilding. Our Responding to Floods guide is designed to offer
clear, practical support and explains how insurers can help every
step of the way -from the moment flooding hits to restoring and
strengthening homes for the future.”
Notes to Editors
Responding to Floods is available to download for free
here.
