Homeowners across the UK are being urged to conduct a vital and immediate check, as experts warn that a widespread lack of awareness about flood risk could leave thousands without valid insurance cover. This alert follows weeks of severe storms and flooding that have battered parts of the country.
The Hidden Risk in Your Postcode
According to stark research from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), a startling two-thirds of households located in officially designated flood risk areas are completely unaware of their property's status. This ignorance is creating a dangerous gap in financial protection for countless families.
Holly Andrews, Managing Director at KIS Finance, issued a grave warning: "Far too many homeowners don't realise the importance of understanding their property's flood risk, and unfortunately, this is having devastating consequences." She stressed that if a home is in a flood risk zone, it directly impacts insurance cover.
Catastrophic Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failing to inform your insurer about a known flood risk can be catastrophic. Ms Andrews explained that insurers may refuse to pay out on claims or even void the policy entirely if this crucial detail was not disclosed when arranging or renewing cover. "Essentially, you could lose the financial safety net you thought you had in place right at the moment you need it most," she said.
The repercussions extend far beyond property damage. When claims are rejected, families are often forced to take out loans or drain long-term savings to fund repairs. "This can have a knock-on effect on their financial stability for years," Ms Andrews cautioned. She added that a rejected claim can also haunt homeowners by affecting their ability to secure affordable insurance in the future.
How to Protect Yourself Now
The solution, however, is straightforward and free. Ms Andrews emphasised that a quick January check could prove crucial. "The Environment Agency provides detailed online flood maps that allow homeowners to search by postcode and see if they fall into an at-risk category," she explained. "This quick check gives you the information you need to make sure your insurance policy is accurate, valid, and offers the protection you expect."
Property owners who discover they are in a flood risk area must notify their insurer without delay. While this may lead to a slightly higher premium, it is a critical step. "Being transparent about your risk may increase your premium slightly, but it's far better than facing the long-term financial consequences of voided cover," advised Ms Andrews.
She concluded with a powerful reminder: "Being proactive could save you from enormous financial loss and emotional stress in the future. It's always better to know your risk and be fully protected than to discover too late that your cover won't pay out."
