Flood insurance

Most likely, yes, but it depends on your policy. Many standard home insurance policies, including both buildings and contents cover, automatically include protection against flooding from natural causes such as heavy rain, river overflow, or surface water.

However, there are important exceptions:

• Damage caused by burst pipes or leaking plumbing usually falls under “escape of water,” not flood cover.

• Some policies may exclude fences, gates, or outbuildings unless you add optional cover.

• Alternative accommodation costs while your home is repaired may not be included by default.

Always check your policy wording carefully to understand exactly what is covered, including any limits or exclusions. If needed, you can add optional cover to protect items like outbuildings, fences, or temporary living costs.

In insurance terms, flood damage is damage caused by flooding from ‘natural sources’, such as excessive rain or a river bursting its banks.

In insurance terms, a flood is water damage caused by natural sources, rather than plumbing or household issues. According to the UK government and the Environment Agency, this includes:

• Heavy or prolonged rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems.

• Rivers or streams bursting their banks, flooding nearby homes and land.

• Surface water or runoff that collects on streets or fields and enters properties.

• Coastal or tidal flooding, where high tides or storm surges push seawater inland.

It’s important to note that flooding from household sources, such as a burst pipe or leaking boiler, is classified separately as an “escape of water” and is covered under a different section of your home insurance policy.

By understanding this distinction, homeowners can ensure they have the correct flood or escape-of-water cover for their property.

Groundwater flooding occurs when excess rain saturates the soil and underlying rock, causing the water table to rise. If the water table becomes too high, it can overwhelm sewers, drains, and natural barriers, causing water to flow into homes and properties.

For example, after several weeks of heavy rainfall, a low-lying property may experience flooding from the ground beneath, rather than from rivers or surface water. Basements and ground floors can be particularly affected.

If your property is at risk, it’s important to check with your insurer to confirm whether your home insurance covers groundwater flooding. Many standard policies may include it, but specialist cover could be needed for high-risk areas.

If you live in a high-risk area you could consider:

• Installing sump pumps or French drains to redirect water.

• Ensuring proper drainage around your home.

• Keeping gutters and soakaways clear to prevent water build-up.

• Monitoring local flood alerts and prepare an emergency plan.

You can check your property’s risk and find guidance from the Environment Agency.

You can enter your postcode to check your flood risk according to the government’s flood map. Alternatively, you can sign up for the free flood warning service or ask the Environmental Agency for more information about a property’s flood history.

You can also check the risks your home may face by using the Home Protect home risk calculator.

In most cases, making a flood claim will increase the cost of your home insurance. Our research indicates that premiums are on average 8.65%^{^} less for those who have not made a flood claim on their home insurance policy previously.

Flood claims can feel overwhelming, but insurers deal with them regularly. Acting quickly, keeping good records, and staying in communication with your insurer greatly improves your chances of a smooth process.

• Contact your insurer immediately – most policies ask that you report damage as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours of discovering the flood. Early notification helps speed up inspections and payments.

• Document the damage thoroughly – take clear photos and videos of flooded areas, damaged furniture, appliances, and structural issues. This evidence supports your claim and reduces delays.

• Speak to your insurer before cleaning or repairing – only carry out emergency measures to prevent further damage (like turning off electricity or moving items to safety). For major repairs, wait for your insurer’s guidance or an inspection.

• Keep receipts for emergency costs – temporary accommodation, pumping out water, or professional drying services can often be reimbursed if documented.

• Consider professional help if needed – if you disagree with the payout, an independent loss assessor can review your claim and help negotiate a fair settlement.

As a tenant, your landlord is usually responsible for insuring the building itself. This means structural damage from flooding—such as walls, floors, or the roof—should be covered under their flood insurance policy.

However, your personal belongings are your responsibility, so it’s wise to take out a contents insurance policy. This protects your furniture, electronics, clothes, and other possessions against flood damage, as well as risks like theft or fire.

Shared homes or joint tenants:

• In properties with multiple tenants, each person is typically responsible for their own belongings.

• Some policies allow joint contents cover, which can simplify protection for shared furniture or communal areas.

• Discuss responsibilities with your housemates to ensure all possessions are adequately covered and avoid gaps in protection.

Not living near a river, lake, or the coast doesn’t mean your home is safe from flooding. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, causing surface water or “pluvial” flooding, even miles from the nearest natural water source.

Examples of inland flooding:

• Streets and low-lying areas become submerged after a sudden downpour, with water entering homes and basements.

• Runoff from nearby fields or hills collects around properties, flooding gardens or ground floors.

Because of this, it’s still wise to have flood insurance, especially in areas prone to surface water flooding.

Before a flood

• Preventative measures: Keep sandbags, flood boards, and plastic sheeting to block doors, air bricks, sinks, and toilets.

• Emergency kit: Include insurance documents, torch and radio, waterproof clothing, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, medication, first-aid kit, phone chargers, and supplies for babies or pets.

• Pre-flood photos: Take pictures of your home and possessions for insurance records.

During a flood

• Listen for warnings: Follow local alerts via radio, TV, or Government flood warnings.

• Turn off utilities: Shut off mains electricity, gas, and water if safe to do so.

• Secure your home: Close windows and doors to limit water entry.

• Evacuate vulnerable people and pets before flooding starts.

• Move vehicles and valuables: Relocate cars to higher ground and place important items on elevated surfaces.

After a flood

• Document damage: Take photos and videos to support insurance claims.

• Prevent further damage: Arrange professional drying, clean debris, and avoid major repairs until your insurer advises.

• Review and improve: Consider long-term flood prevention measures such as barriers, drainage improvements, or moving valuables to safer locations.