The recent torrential rain and flooding has caused widespread destruction and the cost of flood and windstorm damage will continue to increase as global temperatures rise.

The ABI, Health Protection Agency and Environment Agency provide advice for home and business owners dealing with the aftermath of a flood, including the following key points:

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most home insurance providers offer 24-hour emergency helpline services to arrange for repairs to be carried out and damage to be inspected
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater. The Health Protection Agency states that the main threats to health during and immediately after a flood are drowning and injuries caused by accidents in flowing water. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car
• If your property or workplace is flooded make sure the building is safe before you enter and ensure electricity and gas supplies are switched off
• Do not use electricity or water supplies until the ‘all clear’ is given
• Keep the number of people entering the building to a minimum. All people involved in cleaning should wear protective clothing and business owners should ensure health and safety procedures are adhered to
• Most home insurance policies will cover the cost of alternative accommodation, up to a specified limit, if you need to move out of your home while it is being repaired
• Once flood water has receded, disinfect floors and furnishings. Where practical, leave doors, windows and cupboards open. If possible, keep rooms heated. The Health Protection Agency provides advice on cleaning up after flooding on their web site at www.hpa.org
• If necessary, arrange for temporary repairs to be carried out to stop any damage getting worse. Keep receipts, as these will be needed for your insurance claim
• Always make your own record of flood damage – photograph or video record your damaged property and list your property and belongings
• Do not rush to redecorate, as it may take some weeks for the property to fully dry out
• Comprehensive motor insurance will cover flood damage caused to vehicles. Motor Fleet and Commercial Car/Vehicle policies will indemnify against flood provided Comprehensive cover is purchased. If you have a number of vehicles stored at your premises at any one time, you may want to move them to a different location or higher ground to minimise losses.

For further information visit the following websites:

• Health Protection Agency
• Environment Agency
  The Association of British Insurers

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss your home or business insurance and risk management needs, please call your usual Perkins Slade contact or call us on 0121 698 8000 to speak to a member of the Private Clients or Corporate team.

Sources

• The Pitt Review: Lessons learned from the 2007 floods
• Flooding and your insurance Claim, BBC News, Business, 23rd November 2009
• Health Protection Agency
• Environment Agency
• The Association of British Insurers

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, the information is for general guidance only.

Perkins Slade is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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