Flood Insurance Guide
Everything you need to know about flood insurance in the UK, including Flood Re, standard policies, and how to get the best cover.
Last updated: 2026-03-26
Flood Insurance in the UK
Flood damage is typically covered under standard home insurance (buildings and contents), but cover can be difficult or expensive to obtain in high-risk areas.
Flood Re
Flood Re is a joint government and industry scheme that caps the flood-risk element of home insurance premiums. Properties built before 1 January 2009 and in council tax bands A-H are eligible. Flood Re allows insurers to pass the flood risk portion of premiums to the scheme for a fixed fee.
What's Covered?
- Structural damage from floodwater
- Damage to fixtures, fittings and decoration
- Contents damaged or destroyed
- Alternative accommodation costs
- Clean-up and drying costs
What's Not Covered?
- Properties built after 1 January 2009 in known flood risk areas (not eligible for Flood Re)
- Commercial properties
- Damage from poor maintenance or gradual seepage
- Garden or outbuilding damage (varies by policy)
How to Reduce Premiums
- Install approved flood resilience measures
- Sign up for EA flood warnings
- Provide evidence of low actual risk despite flood zone designation
- Increase your excess
- Shop around — use a specialist flood insurance broker