Flooding and Insurance: A To-Do List

With recent deluges showing just how hard some parts of the UK can be hit by flooding, anyone living in an area likely to be struck should have a plan of action in place. As well as having adequate insurance in place, it?s important to know how to avoid flooding and what to do if disaster strikes.

If you live in an area which is prone to flooding, here are a few things you can do to minimise potential damage to your home or business:

• Invest in some flood boards, which can be put in place around doors to seal the opening in times of flooding
• Fit water-resistant skirting boards throughout the lower level of your home
• Dry-line walls using horizontal plasterboard or lime-based plaster
• Install damp-proof brick courses
• Fit non-return valves to drains and water inlet and outlets to prevent water from returning into your home. Most flooding occurs when water is forced back up through the toilets and drains
• Varnish any wooden window and door frames
• Raise electrical sockets, switches, fuse boxes, controls and other components to above the likely level of flooding.? These should be repositioned to at least 1.5 metres above ground level.
• Place all valuables on high shelves which are unlikely to be reached by rising water
• Keep insurance and other important documents on the highest floor of your house

There are a number of flood protection products and services available for those who are concerned about the risk. The Blue Pages contains a database of these products.

If you are unlucky and flooding does hit your home or business, chances are you will need to make a claim on your insurance. Here?s what you need to do:

• Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurers have a 24-hour helpline, check these details in advance and keep the number handy
• Do not use electricity or gas, or drink tap water until you have been advised by a qualified professional that it is safe to do so
• Take photos or videos of the damage wherever possible. Having this evidence may help you claim
• Move any food, clothing, electrical items or other items of value upstairs to avoid further damage
• Don?t dispose of any damaged items until the loss adjustor assigned to your case tells you do so. The insurer will need to see evidence of the damage
• While you should have any emergency repair works done as soon as possible, do not start any other repairs until you have received approval from your insurer
• If your insurer offers alternative accommodation while your home is being repaired, keep note of any additional expenses you incur while living away from home

After you have reported the flood to your insurers, there is still more you should do to ensure that your claim progresses smoothly;

• Keep receipts for all expenses you incur. You will need to produce these to claim the costs back from your insurer
• Check your car insurance documents for flood cover and act accordingly if your car has also been damaged
• Do not start re-decorating before the building has completely dried out, no matter how tempting it becomes!

For a quote on your upcoming Home Insurance, or Business Insurance call us at Lifesure on 01480 402460.

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This entry was posted in Business Advice Library, Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Risk & Safety, Small Business and tagged Business Insurance, home insurance, Small Business Advice, small business insurance by Sandra. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://www.lifesure.co.uk/blog/2012/10/flooding-and-insurance-a-to-do-list/

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