10.02.25

Reporting Flood Damage to Insurers

Flood Damage and how to Report to Insurers

Flood events impact thousands of British homeowners every year inflicting millions of pounds in property damage. Although buildings and contents insurance policies typically include flood protection, there may be specific exclusions whereby policies may restrict flood damage cover for homes in high flood-risk areas. As such, it’s critical to review your policies to check that you have robust protection in the event of a flood. 

Knowing how to navigate the claims process at a time of turmoil can make all the difference in getting early assistance from your insurance company and their supplier network and getting your home and your life back to normal.

What to do in the event of a flood and how to report a property and contents claim to your Insurance company.

After a flood event inflicts losses on your property, you should aim to report your claim to your insurance company or Broker as promptly as possible but do not endanger lives.

Consider the following Ten steps:

1. Keep your insurance policy documents in a safe accessible place, adding the claims contact details as a contact on your phone (remember to update your insurance company claims contacts if you change insurance company or broker)
2. Evidence damaged property (without putting lives at risk). Take photos, and/or videos of damaged possessions, where possible take images of floodwater in your home.
3. Evidencing proof of ownership of personal affects by keeping a record of serial numbers of larger appliances and receipts. Additionally, once the floodwater has receded hold on to samples of carpeting, wallpaper, furniture and other materials damaged by floodwater.
4. Discard flooded items that pose health risks, such as perishable foods and soaked pillows. It’s crucial to take steps to limit mould growth. Thoroughly document any items that must be discarded.
5. Contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible following a flood event to report your claim (insurers should have emergency out of hours contacts).
6. Your property insurance company will instruct a Loss Adjuster who will contact you directly to arrange a visit to your home.
7. Meeting with the Loss Adjuster. Ensure you verify your Loss Adjuster’s identity and qualifications upon their arrival and document their contact information. The Loss Adjuster should provide you with essential information on the claims process, discuss the specific details of your cover and answer your questions.
8. Seeking repair estimates. When searching for assistance with repairs, such as your home’s electrical and plumbing systems, speak with the Loss Adjuster or your Insurance Broker before entering into a formal agreement with a contractor.
9. Ensure to provide copies of all repair and replacement estimates to the Loss Adjuster for prior approval. Additionally, verify that any contractors you may work with are licensed and insured.
10. Based on the Loss Adjusters findings they will make a recommendation to insurers regarding your claim settlement and make a claim settlement offer to you. The policyholder should check any settlement offers to ensure the settlement figurers are accurate and complete and refer to the Loss Adjuster if they have any questions or concerns. You can also contact your Brokers claim staff.

Fore More Information

The flood insurance claims process can be nuanced, complex and even confusing. However, by knowing what to expect ahead of time, and having a Broker with inhouse Claims staff will mean you may be better equipped to handle the aftermath of potentially catastrophic losses with limited stress. Contact us today for more information about property flood cover or notifying a property damage claim against your policy.

Information provided by Zywave and contributed by Donna Hatton (Cert CII (Claims)) Claims Manger and Harrison Law, (Cert CII) Head of Commercial & Private Clients, Cox Mahon Ltd.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact a legal or insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.