Wet weather ahead: is your home ready?

As the evenings draw in and umbrellas become everyday essentials, it’s a good time to give your home a little attention before winter.

You don’t have to live beside a river to experience flooding. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains, causing surface water flooding even in unexpected places.

This October, the Government and Flood Re announced plans to pilot Flood Performance Certificates in England. These aim to help homeowners understand their property’s flood risk and identify ways to improve its resilience.

Meanwhile, a little preparation can go a long way. Check your local flood risk, keep gutters and drains clear where safe, and store important documents somewhere secure. Keep your insurer’s emergency claims number handy, too.

Your flood insurance questions answered

1. Does my home insurance cover flooding?
Many policies do, but cover varies. Check your policy’s flood provisions, exclusions and excess.

2. Can I check my flood risk?
Yes. Official flood risk services are available for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

3. Will insurance pay for somewhere else to stay?
Some policies include alternative accommodation if an insured event makes your home uninhabitable. Limits and conditions apply.

4. Are Flood Performance Certificates compulsory?
The announcement concerns pilots in England; it does not introduce a compulsory nationwide requirement.

5. What should I do if floodwater enters my home?
Put safety first, follow emergency advice and contact your insurer as soon as safely possible.

Let’s check you’re ready

Unsure what your policy includes? Call Ashbourne Insurance on 01992 471001 or pop into our Hoddesdon office. Our friendly team can review your cover and help you understand your options before wet weather arrives.