News & Advice

The UK has been deluged with rain in recent weeks, and the impacts are beginning to be felt more seriously. With 2012 the wettest summer on record, the outdoor events industry has been devastated along with the national mood. But flood warnings have also risen sharply, representing a serious risk for home-owners.

Some 47 flood alerts have been sounded throughout the country. And the Environment Agency has issued three flood warnings – events serious enough to warrant immediate action, including possible evacuation.

If you’re a homeowner, now is the time to take a stock of your insurance policy. Not all home insurance is created equal, and it’s important to ascertain the level of cover you are entitled to in case of a flood insurance claim. The industry is awash with reports of unscrupulous insurers who try and dodge claims once the damage has been done, so be sure to check nothing about your property invalidates your claim.

The risk of an invalid flood insurance claim

Something as simple as working from home could mean you are no longer covered and so face an invalid flood insurance claim. So if you’ve begun working from a home office recently, for example, you’ll need to check you’re still covered.

How you make your claim is also vital to ensuring your receive proper compensation. Once you’ve reported damage from flooding it’s difficult to revise your claim. So if you’ve overlooked an aspect of damage, or underestimated a cost, you could find yourself losing out. Professional Loss Assessors can be invaluable in this instance, as they will both make an assessment of damage recognised by your insurer and arrange speedy repairs.

Pushing up premiums

Those with household insurance should also steel themselves for a rise in premiums next year. In 2007 when devastating floods swept the country, flood premiums rose by 21%. This year insurers think the impact of flooding will be less, but still estimate a 10% hike in premiums could be on the cards.

To make matters worse, the possibility of hot dry weather to come may not necessarily solve the problem. In fact a heat wave following prolonged rain can worsen damage to masonry. So if you’re planning on enjoying the rest of the summer come rain or shine, make sure you’ve battened down the insurance hatches.

In case of a flood insurance claim

If your home is damaged in a flood, it’s important to contact an insurance Loss Assessor like AKA MI Claims straightaway. This is the best way of ensuring you receive a full and fair settlement and avoid an invalid flood insurance claim. We can arrange professional drying services by specialist contractors and any emergency repairs that are needed. AKA MI Claims can also prepare an assessment of all damage and an inventory for your insurers, while dealing with their loss adjuster on your behalf.

About AKA Claims

AKA Claims is a firm of independent Loss Assessors, who work on a no win-no fee basis.  

If you need to make a home insurance claim and you’re unhappy with the settlement offered to you by your insurance company, just call us now on 0800 285 1610 to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Loss Assessors. Alternatively, please just complete our Contact Us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.