Flooding has become a major issue for many homeowners and tenants looking for building and contents insurance. The UK experienced some of its wettest weather in a century in 2012. Widespread flooding affected more than 8,000 properties, causing £400 million worth of damage.
After this period insurers began to look more closely at how they were underwriting flood risks, not only in areas directly affected but also those post codes where there was potential exposure to flooding. Using detailed environmental flood mapping facilities for many homeowners, landlords or commercial business owners it became more difficult to obtain flood cover or weighty excess terms were applied.
In 2016 Flood Re was introduced which is a joint government/insurer undertaking to provide affordable flood insurance. Whilst providing valuable assistance to many it is not offered to all homeowners, commercial risks or by all insurers.
In the Bognor Regis (including Pagham/Felpham) and Chichester areas this is a huge concern and it is sometimes difficult to obtain cover or large flood excesses are applied.
There are however providers available that have access to specialist underwriters who will quote with full all risks cover, for flood cover only or provide insurance for increased flood terms such as increased excesses.
Flooding from rivers, water courses, tidal waters and even from the drainage system can cause extensive property damage that can run into thousands and so it would be inadvisable to accept a flood exclusion or higher excess.
We are pleased to be able to provide advice on flood cover and have access to those underwriters. In most cases we are successful in providing cover. If you are a homeowner, landlord or business that's currently without flood insurance or have had severe terms applied click on our contact us link or call one of our experienced property insurance advisers on 01243 841710.
