Please advise. I have made a claim on my home insurance which they have entitled 'storm damage' - unfortunately I was not aware that this would mean I would not be able to get insurance with any other company as they deem this a high risk. The claim was to take up flag stones and re-lay on my patio as the hard-core and sand had been washed away in some areas resulting in the patio dropping.

I do not live anywhere near a river, and I do not live in a low-lying area, if my home was flooded then half of the city would be underwater! Why do insurance companies not take individual cases on individual circumstances, but use sweeping statements? I will now have to stay with my insurance company who will be charging approx £800 for buildings and contents and, as I have had 2 claims this year, the patio and a mugging (but have only had 5 claims in 28 years in total - no-one seems interested in that statistic!) this may increase the cost of insurance even further.

Most interested in your reply. Thanks.