For the past few weeks, torrential rain has played havoc in the UK – this despite the fact that it’s June and water companies are still forced to maintain a hosepipe ban across much of the country. Some parts of the country are destined to receive nine inches of rain – as much rainfall as three months worth during this part of the year on average. The Met Office has issued a “level 2” amber severe weather warning for the South. This follows floods in Wales, Barnsley and parts of London.
As property owners we can keep an eye on the forecast, ensure that a real danger is not present in your area and check that your property insurance is in force and protects against flood (some polices do not, where there may have been exclusions because of the vicinity the property was built in or because it is empty for example ). There are specialist policies available for empty property insurance but check the excess applicable and for all other terms and restrictions.
Even normal home insurance policies carry higher excesses in respect of water claims but these tend to be as a result of escape of water (from a pipe or apparatus). If you are in doubt or concerned, telephone your provider or insurance broker where they will spell out the restriction applicable to your policy. They now have a duty to advise this accurately under the term Treating Customers Fairly rules as dictated by the Financial Services Authority. It may also be worth checking with the ABI who represent the UK insurance market.
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