Insuring flood risk as well: what is and is not possible?

Because the risk does not spread. When a primary flood defence is breached, damage arises within a short time for a very large number of policyholders at once, whereas insurance rests on sharing individual risks. That is why virtually all buildings and home contents insurance excludes this and why the government has a separate, conditional scheme in the Wts.

Often it is, but not always in the same way. If the water enters through a covered cause such as storm damage to the roof, the consequential damage usually follows the cover. With heavy rainfall entering without any defect, it differs by insurer. Water entering through a blocked or poorly maintained gutter is generally excluded.

For the breaching of a primary flood defence there is no standard solution on the private market. Some insurers do, however, cover flooding from regional or secondary defences. For businesses and property portfolios, separate cover can sometimes be discussed on the commercial market. Have your conditions compared on this point.

See to your safety first and then limit the damage where it is safe to do so, for example by moving belongings higher up. Report the damage as soon as reasonably possible. Take photographs before clearing up, keep damaged items and collect invoices. Without evidence the extent is hard to demonstrate later.