Published 15 May 2026
Home flood insurance: how to protect your property and get the right cover
Flooding is a real risk for UK homeowners, with thousands of properties in high-risk areas. Having the right flood insurance is essential to protect your home and belongings. This guide explains what flood insurance covers, how the Flood Re scheme works, and practical steps to protect your property from flood damage.
Are floods covered by home insurance?
Flood cover is typically included as standard in most building insurance policies in the UK. It protects your home's structure – walls, roof, windows and permanent fixtures from damage caused by external water sources like heavy rain, overflowing rivers or rising water levels.
Your buildings insurance won't protect your belongings, though. You'll need a separate contents policy to cover things like furniture, electronics and personal items if they're damaged by flood water.
It's worth checking your policy details, as cover limits and flood excess can vary between providers. Some insurers may also have specific conditions for properties in high-risk areas, so make sure you understand what's included in your home insurance cover.
Is my home in a flood risk area?
There are three region-focused flood maps you can check to see if you're in a high-risk area. You can sign up to receive flood warnings by phone, text or email.
- The Environment Agency's flood checker has a detailed map and warnings for areas that could soon be affected in England.
- The Scottish Environment Protection Agency provides Scotland's residents with up-to-date information.
- Natural Resources Wales has information for homeowners in Wales.
Your flood-risk assessment can affect your insurance premiums. If your property is at high risk, your insurer may cede your policy to Flood Re to help keep your cover affordable.
How to protect your home from flood damage
- Check your roof and gutters regularly. Look for slipped or missing tiles, loose flashings or worn concrete. Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris – blocked gutters can cause extensive water damage during heavy rainfall.
- Keep sandbags handy if you live in a flood risk area. Your local council may supply them, so it's worth asking.
- Use flood resilient materials when decorating or refurbishing. Lay ceramic tiles on ground floors instead of carpets, or use rugs that can be easily removed.
- Install temporary flood protection equipment. Removable covers for air bricks and vents, plus barriers for doors and windows, can help keep water out.
- Store receipts and manuals safely. Keep them in a waterproof container on an upper floor – you'll need these when making an insurance claim.
- Back up your valuables and digital files. Protect sentimental items like family photos by storing them securely upstairs and backing up your computer.
Taking these precautions can help reduce future damage and may even lower your insurance premiums over time.
Home flood insurance FAQs
Most flood insurance policies won't cover gradual damage or maintenance issues. groundwater that seeps through walls over time, or damage to gates and fences without building damage, are typically excluded. Negligence and wear and tear aren't covered either. If you're unsure about what's included in your policy, it's worth checking with your broker or insurer for specifics.
Costs vary based on flood risk, location, and your home's council tax band. Flood Re helps keep premiums affordable for high-risk properties. Use a comparison site to find competitive quotes and see what works best for your budget.
Even if your property has flooded before, you can still get flood cover. Flood Re makes insurance more accessible for homes at high risk. Many policies also cover alternative accommodation costs if your home becomes uninhabitable, giving you somewhere to stay while repairs are completed. You may also want to check your home emergency cover options.
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