Homeowners to check flood insurance risk

Despite the Government's pledge to increase flood defences, Landmark Information Group is urging all homeowners not let themselves fall victim to potential flood risks. The reality is that insurers may still not be able to protect you.

Recent reports from the AA suggest that home insurance costs are increasing at dramatic rates and may continue to do so despite the Government’s pledge. Landmark, Britain’s leading provider of Environmental reports, suggests that homeowners should take control and find out if their home is at threat from flood risk or they may be forced to pay out where insurers will not.

According to Landmark Information Group it is estimated that up to five million people, in two million properties, currently live in flood risk areas across England and Wales. There are a number of sources of flood information in the UK, but the best way to tackle the issue is to ask you solicitor or conveyancer to get a report when you buy a home.

Unfortunately, the Environment Agency flood information is not comprehensive, but there are reports, such as Landmark or Homecheck Professional, that provide information from a range of authoritative sources – including insurance claims - so that homebuyers have the best information available.

Don't forget  that flooding can occur too if your house is on a slope and in the path of a sudden amount of water. One tip offered by a reader of Period Home and Garden is to look out for the type of flooring used on the ground floor of properties. Apparently its very common for insurers to insist upon a ceramic tiled floor, if flooding has occurred in the past. It's not a foolproof solution by any means, but it might at least give you a heads up that your dream period home, might not be all it seems.

For more information visit www.landmarkinfo.co.uk