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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

In recent years the UK has experienced severe winter storms,

resulting in extensive coastal damage and widespread flooding.

The insurance industry has paid out billions of pounds as thousands

of homes have been destroyed by these flood waters. Unfortunately,

many residents have since struggled to find affordable home

insurance due to being in a high flood risk area.

Now a new insurance initiative, backed by the Government,

launches in April 2016. It is designed to help property owners at risk

of flooding to source affordable home insurance. It’s called Flood Re.

HomeProtect – The People’s Guide To Flood Re

Disclaimer: Avantia Insurance Ltd. trading as HomeProtect, has collated this information from third parties. Every effort has been

made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, but no legal responsibility is accepted for errors or misleading statements.

www.floodre.co.uk

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Autumn flooding after

Hurricane Isaac and

Tropical Storm Leslie.Glasgow flash floods.

Boscastle flash floods.Rivers Eden, Kent,

Derwent, Greta and Cocker

flooded, affecting around

2000 properties and

causing over £250 million

of damage.Nationwide flooding, highest

official rainfall total was 111

mm in North Yorkshire. 5

people killed.

Nationwide flooding,

Cumbria had 316 mm of

rain in 24-hours - a UK

record. Nationwide flooding. The

total UK rainfall was

145.3mm – exactly twice

the 1971-2000 average. Winter storms were the

wettest recorded since

1910. The most exceptional

periods for winter rainfall

across England and Wales

in at least 248 years.Nationwide flooding, wettest

December in a century.

Source: Environment Agency

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

It is one of the most significant innovations to be introduced to

the home insurance market.

It is designed to enable affordable flood cover for those at the

highest risk of flooding.

Not all properties are eligible for cover.

It is open to properties within council

tax bands A-H.

It comes into effect in April 2016.

It is planned to be in place for 25

years.

Not all insurance providers are taking

part in the scheme.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

While home insurance has been

available to residents living in

areas at high risk of flooding, it

has not always been affordable.

The risk of flooding is reflected in

the price, so in some cases home

insurance premiums or excesses

have increased. As you would

expect, homeowners are not

happy about these changes.

In the worst case scenario,

residents might have to choose

between paying a large sum and

not having cover at all.

As a result, the Government and

Association of British Insurers

(ABI) have worked together to

create Flood Re.

Brendan McCafferty, CEO,

Flood Re

Flood Re is a reinsurance scheme which will give insurance

companies the chance to offer affordable flood cover in high risk

areas. Although it remains up to each individual insurer to set their

own price for flood cover, the reinsurance cost charged by Flood Re

is capped by the property’s council tax band.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

8

Pronunciation:/siːd/ (verb)

Definition of cede: Give up

(power or territory)

Synonyms: surrender,

concede, relinquish, yield, part

with

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Source: Oxford Dictionary

Insurance is a strongly regulated industry. Insurers are required to

maintain enough capital as collateral against losses.

Reinsurance allows the insurer to transfer the risk to an external

organisation. For example, HomeProtect can reduce its exposure to

risk and provide cover to more properties by passing the flood risk

on to Flood Re.

9

Pronunciation:/riːɪnˈʃʊə/ (verb)

Definition of reinsure: To

transfer (all or part of a risk) to

another insurer to provide

protection against the risk of

the first insurance

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Alex Parker-Walklate,

Head of Product, HomeProtect

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

To put the Flood Re scheme into

effect, the insurance industry has

invested £20 million in set up costs.

It is estimated that 350,000 homes

could benefit from the launch of

Flood Re over time.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

The flood element of your premium will be capped based on

Council Tax band, so prices will vary according to property type.

Your insurer then adds on other risks, such as fire and theft, to

calculate your final price. Your overall premium is dependent on

your individual circumstances.

When Flood Re launches in April, HomeProtect will be able to

take all of these details into account, and return a quote which will

automatically calculate your eligibility for Flood Re cover.

_______________________________________________

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HomeProtect is available

24/7 and can quote in 98%

of cases.

Choose your calendar from

the options below to save

the Flood Re launch date in

your diary, and be among

the first to get an online

quote!

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

So that Flood Re is available for everyone who needs it, properties

will only be eligible if they meet all of the following criteria:

The property must have a Council Tax band A to H (or

equivalent).

The property must be built before 1st January 2009 (if a building

is demolished, and rebuilt before this date, the new property is

still eligible).

The insurance contract must be held in the name of one or more

individuals.

The property must be used for residential purposes.

The property must have an individual premium.

The policy holder or their immediate family must live in the

dwelling for some or all of the time, or the dwelling must be

unoccupied.

Leasehold flats with 3 or less units.

The property must be located within the UK mainland.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Bed and breakfast premises paying business rates.

Blocks of residential flats (Contents cover only).

Company houses/flats (Contents cover only).

Contingent buildings policies (e.g. held by banks).

Farm outbuildings.

Freeholders/leaseholders deriving commercial income insuring

blocks/large numbers of properties in a portfolio.

Housing association’s residential properties.

Multi-use under commercial or private ownership.

Residential ‘buy to let’ (which does not meet the criteria

specified earlier).

Social housing properties (Contents cover only).

Static caravan site owners (for commercial gain).

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Essentially, nothing has changed. You don’t need to do anything

differently when shopping around for insurance. You will be

required to provide personal details about your current home and

circumstances, as always.

Use of the Flood Re scheme happens in the background and you

will never need to deal with Flood Re directly.

If you come direct to HomeProtect then we will work out your

eligibility for Flood Re automatically, and will return a quote based

on your individual circumstances.

_________________________________________

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

A loss adjuster will survey the

property and confirm any repairs

or replacements that are needed

and that are covered by your

policy.

Call your insurer as soon as

possible after a flood. It’s likely

that they will need to make

arrangements for a loss

adjuster to come to your

home.

You should never throw non-perishable items away until you have

received clearance from your insurance provider because doing so

can adversely affect your flood insurance claim.

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• Am I covered for alternative accommodation?

• How long will it be before a loss adjuster can visit?

• Can emergency repairs and water-pumping start without an

adjuster's approval?

• Can I make flood defence modifications at the same time as

repairs to reduce damage from flooding in the future?

• Will my contents be replaced as ‘new for old’?

• Will I be reimbursed for food that has been spoilt?

• Can you provide or recommend a professional cleaning

company?

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

First things first, check your policy

documents…

Check your policy to find out which level

of cover you have in place. If you are not

sure, then you should ask your insurer

several questions when making a claim.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Check your policy schedule – you will have

received this in your welcome email or

updated renewal documents.

Check your excess – for instance, you might

decide not to claim if your excess is more than

the damaged items are worth.

Gather your receipts or invoices which prove

the value of any items that you're claiming for.

Check which items are not covered, as

outlined in your policy documents.

Create an inventory of the damaged items and

their estimated value.

Provide a description of the extent of the

damage, and photos where possible.

When you’re ready to call, have your policy

number to hand.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Your claim will be handled by your individual insurer as usual. So

although you may be reinsured through Flood Re, you should still

contact your insurer directly to start the claims process.

Behind the scenes, Flood Re will interact with each insurer who has

chosen to pass flood risk into the scheme. Then, the insurers will be

reimbursed for any valid claims.

On verification of a successful claim, your insurer will arrange an

agreed amount for the property to be restored. Now you can start

rebuilding your life with the support you need.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

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If you are at risk of flooding, you can take steps to

reduce the threat to your property.

Being prepared can also have an effect on your

insurance premium.

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Sign up to the Environment

Agency's Flood Warnings

Direct service. They will keep

you in the know!

Flood risk insurance is a

must for homes already

known to be at risk, not an

optional extra. Check your

home insurance cover or get

a quote from alternative

providers.

Make a note of where the

taps or switches you need to

turn off your electricity and

gas are.

Prepare a flood survival kit.

Don’t forget to pack copies of

your insurance documents,

clean drinking water and a

torch.

Make a plan of how to

contact your family in an

emergency. How will you get

in touch? Where will you

meet them?

Move electrical appliances,

valuable items and furniture

upstairs.

If your property is in an area at high risk then the odds are not in

your favour. You can still take steps to minimise the damage

caused, however.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Flooding is possible. This alert will usually be issued

a few days before flooding is anticipated. It is when

you should prepare a flood survival kit and move

valuables or furniture upstairs.

Flooding is expected. If this warning is issued then

you should install any flood protection equipment

such as toilet bungs, sandbags and flood gates. Shut

off your utilities including gas, electricity and water

supplies. Make plans to evacuate your family, pets

and vulnerable neighbours to a safe place outside of

the flood area.

Flooding is imminent and now poses a serious threat

to life. You should stay in a safe place with a clear

escape route. Emergency services will be in the area

and you should comply with their advice. If you are in

immediate danger then always call 999.

There are three levels of flood threat that you should be aware of.

The Environment Agency will use these terms, so it’s good to have

an understanding of how serious they are.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Specialist flood protection products can make a huge difference to

the state of your home after a flood; they’re well worth investigating

if you are at risk.

Airbrick covers can prevent water from

entering through walls.

Sandbags can provide useful protection

around entrances and windows.

A barrier between the brickwork which seals

against the door frame and the bottom step.

Prevents sewage back-flow through the toilet

system.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Preparing a flood survival kit could make

all the difference should the worst

happen. Here are some essentials:

Source: AppliancesDirect.co.uk

• Use water-tight containers with lockable lids to store important

documents, such as your insurance policy schedule. It’s also

recommended to keep digital copies that can always be accessed.

• Vacuum-packing warm blankets, waterproofs and a change of

clothes can save space.

• Pack a first-aid kit with waterproof plasters. Remember any

important medications you might need!

• Flood water is unsafe to drink so be sure to pack bottled water.

You might also pack tinned or dry foods that are easy to open.

• Include a torch and a good supply of batteries, as well as a

whistle.

• Emergency cash and passports are also well worth having at the

ready.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

25

HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Debris is another thing to look out for,

as you never know what might be

lurking beneath the surface. Avoid

injuries by finding a clear path. If you

have been able to contact emergency

services, then stay on higher levels and

wait for rescue.

In severe flooding, don’t try to be a

hero. Let emergency services do their

job safely.

Don’t panic. Your safety and the safety of

those around you is paramount in this

situation.

If a flood warning has been issued in

enough time, you should leave your

property and take your survival kit as well

as any essential items well ahead of the

flood waters reaching your home.

If you cannot, as flooding has a habit of happening overnight, then

avoid driving and walking through it. Do not try to swim unless you

absolutely have to; flood water is really unsanitary and currents can

be strong.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Children and animals are particularly at risk during a flood. Of

course they will be frightened – who wouldn’t be when a river takes

up residence in your home! – but they may not understand what is

happening or know how to stay safe.

If a flood warning is issued in your area

then you should make arrangements to

evacuate children and pets as early as

possible. Not only is it safer for them but

it may also be safer for you as you know

that they are being looked after. You can

concentrate on limiting the damage to

your property and belongings.

Don’t let your children or pets play in

flood water. Swallowing flood water or

mud can cause diarrhoea, fever or

abdominal pain.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

The UK National Flood Emergency Framework is a Government

document which details the level of response to a flood. You can

view it in detail online here.

Events routinely handled by local

government and the emergency

services.

Flooding with local, small scale

evacuation, no risk to critical

infrastructure. No significant central

government involvement.

Severe weather with limited

consequences. Floods in more than

one county, some displaced persons

and potential risk to infrastructure.

The Lead Government Department

Minister runs the crisis response with

their own emergency facilities.

Has a prolonged impact requiring

sustained central government support.

Floods in several counties, hundreds

of displaced persons, actual

disruptions to critical infrastructure.

Response coordinated from Cabinet

Office Briefing Room, response may

require deployment of wider military

resources.

A high impact incident which requires

immediate central government

direction. Floods affecting significant

portions of the country, thousands of

displaced persons, serious damage to

critical infrastructure.

Prime Minister or Secretary of State

leads in the event of a catastrophic

incident.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Stay vigilant when returning to your home as flood water can be

dangerous. It’s probably still worthwhile keeping children and pets

away from the home until it has dried out.

Obvious dangers to look out for include damaged tiles, loose

floorboards or skirting boards and exposed nails. As well as that

flood water is highly unsanitary. Avoid getting water on your skin and

disinfect your hands regularly.

Don’t turn on your gas or electrics until they have dried out and been

checked by a qualified technician.

Don’t eat food that has touched flood water,

and contact your water company to verify the

tap water is safe to use again.

Make sure that you keep the house well

ventilated so that air can circulate and allow

the property to dry out.

Stay with friends or family, or contact your

Local Authority to find alternative

accommodation.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Take photographs before you start cleaning. Notify

your insurer before throwing away items that

cannot be cleaned, like carpets.

Wear wellington boots and rubber gloves to clean

up, and be sure to wash your hands afterwards!

Clean all surfaces including walls and floors with

hot water and strong detergent. Surfaces

contaminated by sewage need to be disinfected.

Clothing and other fabrics that have been affected

by flood water should be thoroughly cleaned.

Wash on a 60 degree cycle.

When removing rubbish, place it in skip bins or in

rubbish bags away from your home.

Rats can also be an issue. Dispose of dead rats

and other pests in a bag, or get in touch with your

Local Authority.

You may notice mould growing on damp walls, this

should stop as your home dries out but if it

persists, contact a specialist.

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs -

@DefraGovUK

Association of British Insurers - @BritishInsurers

Friends of the Earth - @wwwfoecouk

Know Your Flood Risk - @flooduk

National Flood Forum - @NatFloodForum

Property Care Association’s Flood Protection Group -

@PCAPropertyCare

Mary Dhonau, Chief Exec, Know Your Flood Risk -

@floodmary

Elizabeth Truss, Environment Secretary, Gov’t - @trussliz

John Curtin, Environment Agency, Acting Executive Director of

Flood and Coastal Risk Management - @johncurtinEA

Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management

- @CIWEM

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Flood Alerts

Flood Group UK

National Flood Forum

Environment Agency

Defra

Try searching for your local

community page, like Cumbria

Community Foundation

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HomeProtect – The UK Guide To Flood Re

Defra is The Department of Environment, Food and Affairs.

The Environment Agency plays a pivotal role in implementing

changes nationwide.

The Environment Agency’s section on flooding. From here, you can

sign up for flood warnings or quickly check your area by postcode.

The National Flood Forum houses a large community who offer

advice to those who are ‘at risk’ of flooding.

A campaign to help raise awareness of the wider flooding issue in

the UK and a source of support.

Visit the Flood Re website for an overview of the scheme and its

management.

Disclaimer: Avantia Insurance Ltd. trading as HomeProtect, has collated this information from third parties. Every effort has been

made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, but no legal responsibility is accepted for errors or misleading statements.

34

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