Comment on the renewed flood risk facing the UK

Published:

22/01/2009

Topic:

Press Release,Insurance,Home

Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Brits are currently facing renewed flood warnings due to heavy rain, and could face the awful situation of having to leave their homes.

I urge Southerners living in Langbridge and Alverstone, on the Eastern Yar, and those in the south-west, on the Lower River Axe from Axminster to Axmouth, to act now - these regions have been placed on official flood warning*.  These new alerts are not on the same scale as the devastating floods seen during 2007 or the flooding seen last year; however, they do serve as a timely reminder to those living in flood risk areas to make sure they are prepared for these unfortunate eventualities - ensuring you are fully protected is paramount.

"People in 'at risk' households should check the details of what their buildings and contents policies cover, as well as the limits and excesses on both. It pays to make sure that the quality of your insurance is high and you won't be left out of pocket if you had to make a claim.

"If you are unfortunate enough to be flooded, you may need to claim on both your contents and buildings policies. Fixtures such as fireplaces and electric lights, which you may have thought would be covered under a buildings policy, will usually be classified as contents. Those at risk from the flooding should take expensive portable items upstairs or somewhere else dry.  Your insurer will expect you to make attempts to minimise your claim.

"Brits should also consider their vehicles too; while home insurance is essential to guard your property, motor insurance should also be an important consideration for any flood risk to your car."

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

* http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx

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