Flooding is becoming more common in the UK and apart from the heartache and hassle, the cost of cleaning up can be huge.
Dealing with a flooded home is a nightmare scenario that no homeowner wants to face. Not only can it cause significant damage to your property and personal belongings, but it can also lead to long-term issues such as mould and structural damage.
This article explores how having a reliable home insurer and an appropriate level of cover can provide the much-needed financial and emotional support to help you navigate the challenges of the unfortunate circumstances of a flood.
Flood insurance cover
One of the primary ways your home insurer can assist you when your home has been flooded is by providing coverage for the damages. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for water-related damages caused by burst pipes or plumbing issues. However, it’s important to note that flood-related damages, such as those caused by natural disasters or heavy rain, typically require a separate flood insurance policy.
The high cost of clean-up and repairs following a flood means it’s important to have insurance for both your home and its contents. It is worth noting that the amount of cover that insurance companies offer can vary significantly. It’s therefore important to think carefully about the level of cover you take out and take your time to check all the details to make sure you have enough protection.
In a common situation like your home being damaged by water coming from inside the property, such as from a leaking or burst pipe, your insurer will probably class this as being ‘escape of water’ and not flooding. Most policies will cover this, but it’s important to make sure.
If you have flood insurance, your home insurer will work with you to assess the extent of the damage and determine the coverage and compensation you’re eligible for. They will conduct an inspection to evaluate the losses, including structural damage, damaged personal belongings, and any required repairs or renovations. The insurer will then calculate the appropriate settlement amount to help you rebuild and restore your home to its previous condition.
Temporary living arrangements
In addition to covering the physical damage caused by flooding, your home insurer can also offer financial assistance for temporary living arrangements. If your home is uninhabitable due to the flood, your insurer may provide coverage for alternative accommodation. This can include hotel expenses, rent for a temporary apartment, and even kennel and cattery costs – giving you peace of mind that your whole family has a comfortable place to stay while your home is being repaired. However, it’s worth checking your details because if your cover is too low, you may have to move back into your home before the repairs are finished or foot part of the bill for alternative accommodation.
If your kitchen is damaged and the rest of your home is habitable, most insurers will encourage you to avoid the enormous disruption that moving out of your home can cause. In these circumstances, a good insurance policy will cover the cost of having temporary kitchen facilities installed. A caravan-sized free-standing unit such as a Portable Kitchen Pod can be set up on your driveway to provide you with a fully functional kitchen while yours is being restored. A Portable Kitchen Pod comes with fridge/freezer, oven, hob, sink, washing machine, dining table, and storage cupboards. It is also fully heated, powered, and insulated to ensure you have everything you need.
The convenience of having a temporary kitchen like this while your kitchen is being repaired can be a great relief during this challenging time. But, it’s worth remembering that your accommodation limit is wholly dependent on the amount of cover you have on your home insurance policy.
Specialist claims guidance
Another crucial area where your home insurer can be invaluable is by providing guidance and support throughout the claims process. Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be overwhelming, and understanding the intricate details of your insurance policy is no easy task. Your insurer will assign a dedicated claims specialist who will serve as your point of contact, guiding you through the process and answering any questions you may have.
These claims specialists are well-versed in insurance policies and can help you navigate the sometimes-complex world of flood insurance. They will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork, documenting the damage, and providing the required evidence to support your claim. Their expertise in negotiating with adjusters and contractors will also ensure that you receive fair compensation and that the repairs are carried out efficiently.
Your insurer should also be able to recommend reputable contractors in your area who specialise in flood damage restoration. They often have connections with trusted professionals who have experience in rebuilding homes after flooding. By availing themselves of these contractor recommendations, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands and that the repairs will be done thoroughly and on time.
Need more help?
Knowing that you have the support and expertise of your insurer can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty associated with recovering from a flood. However, if you’re struggling to find insurance cover that’s affordable, the Flood Re scheme, a joint government and insurance industry initiative, might be able to help you. The scheme aims to help insurance providers offer more affordable policies to households with eligible properties affected by flooding.
If your property doesn’t qualify to be included in the Flood Re scheme, you may wish to consult the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) to help you locate a regulated insurance broker who specialises in flood risk. Or alternatively, you might like to seek independent advice on how to go about getting flood risk insurance from The National Flood Forum, a national charity that also publishes a list of ‘flood friendly’ insurers.
Ask your insurer
When your home has been flooded, having a reliable home insurer by your side can make all the difference. They can provide coverage for the physical damage, financial assistance for temporary living arrangements, and guidance throughout the claims process. But as we’ve noted here, it is important to check all the details in your buildings and contents insurance policies that relate to flooding to make sure you have enough cover to protect you in the event of a flood. We recommend contacting your insurance company to query anything you’re struggling with or not sure about so that they can explain your options and ways they can help you.