If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first.
If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.
Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will advise.
Damage caused by storms and flooding is covered by most standard home insurance and commercial business policies, and comprehensive motor insurance.
Policies may have exclusions. For example, fences damaged by flooding or storms are not included as standard in most policies.
Check your policy details and speak to your insurer if you’re unsure what’s included - they’ll be able to explain what you’re covered for and answer any questions.
If your property has flooded, here’s our six flood recovery steps:
Step 1 - Contact your insurer as soon as possible. They will advise you on arranging emergency accommodation if necessary (or any temporary alternative trading premises if you are a business with business interruption cover), the information they will need from you to support your claim, and how to go ahead with the immediate clean-up and repair process. You can also ask your insurer if you are eligible for Build Back Better, which can include installing property flood resilience measures as part of flood repairs.
Step 2 - Assessing the damage and finding temporary accommodation. A loss adjuster will be appointed to assess the claim, and a survey may be undertaken on how to make your property more flood resilient. An initial assessment of the damage will be done, the repair process explained and the options for alternative accommodation outlined. You should expect to hear from your loss adjuster after contacting your insurer and they will get in touch if they need to arrange a visit to your home.
Step 3 - Cleaning and stripping out. Your loss adjuster will organise the cleaning and stripping out of your home. This work should start within four weeks of discussing it with your loss adjuster.
Step 4 - Disinfecting and drying your home. Your insurer or loss adjuster will appoint a drying company to disinfect and dry out your home. This can take from a few weeks to several months. Your loss adjuster will give you a timetable and keep you informed.
Step 5 - Repair and reconstruction. Repair work should begin shortly after you get your drying certificate from the drying company. Your loss adjuster will appoint a builder to do the repair and reconstruction work and will keep you updated on expected timeframes. Any agreed repairs or changes to make your property more flood resilient would also be undertaken at this stage.
Step 6 - Moving back into your home. Your insurer or loss adjuster will discuss with you when you can return home. Depending on how badly damaged your home is, this can be between a few weeks and a year or more after the flood.
Louise Clark, Manager of General Insurance Policy at the ABI, said: “Insurers are always prepared for unpredictable weather, and right now their top priority is to help affected customers get back on their feet as quickly as possible. If you do suffer damage to your property or vehicle, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.”
If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out your insurer will arrange for, and pay the cost of, any alternative temporary accommodation you may need in line with your policy.
Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock in line with your policy. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary.
Read our full guidance on coping with storm damage here.
Our guide to recovering from a flood and what to expect from your insurer can be found here.
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